Definition of reproductionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun reproduction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reproduction are copy, duplicate, facsimile, and replica. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

When might copy be a better fit than reproduction?

In some situations, the words copy and reproduction are roughly equivalent. However, copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When would duplicate be a good substitute for reproduction?

The meanings of duplicate and reproduction largely overlap; however, duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When could facsimile be used to replace reproduction?

The synonyms facsimile and reproduction are sometimes interchangeable, but facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would replica be a reasonable alternative to reproduction?

While the synonyms replica and reproduction are close in meaning, replica implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details, but not always in the same scale.

a replica of the Mayflower
miniature replicas of classic cars

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reproduction The abject terror of reproduction was personified by Lamashtu, demoness of the night, drinker of blood, eater of flesh, slayer of children, untimely opener of wombs, ravager of women. — Eleanor Johnson, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 But warmer temperatures favor mosquito reproduction and can mean the transmission season sometimes lasts as late as November, Bella explained. — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 The Pantone Matching System is a standardized, proprietary color reproduction system used globally in graphic design, print, and manufacturing. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026 But De Kooning would apply fragments of the reproductions to new compositions, often in different orientations. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • These genomes should reflect the full sequence of both chromosome copies and the diversity of the global population, rather than relying on one person or one ancestral group as a universal standard.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • When the Spider swings past a silverish-gray newsstand filled with copies of the Daily Bugle, the frame becomes black-and-white, even in the color version.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Hanging beside a replica wooden hut was a birdcage with a note explaining that the parrot had been removed for its own mental well-being.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Eight interconnecting venues offer everything from French-Japanese fusion, an oyster and ceviche bar, poolside cocktails, and a replica speakeasy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster