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 Ghosting and chromatic aberration are virtually non-existent, and color reproduction is excellent. James Abbott, Space.com, 27 May 2025 Unable to secure the return of the original historic structure, the Society’s board voted unanimously to build a reproduction, which is now a feature of the prison tours. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025 Book a hang gliding lesson or pilot a reproduction of the glider the Wright brothers flew in 1902. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 May 2025 The reproduction of the gallows is certain to evoke strong emotions for visitors. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Luminate reports that during the most recent tracking period — which is when people learned of Wilson’s passing — the song sold just under 4,200 copies.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Selling 95,000 copies of DESIRE: UNLEASH in the U.S., the boy band also scored a No. 3 debut on the Billboard 200, marking its eighth entry on the chart and its fifth top 10 album.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Its rebirth began as a digital model in The Golf Club video game and was brought to life in the sandy soil of central Wisconsin—now a near-exact replica.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • In collaboration with The Intel Lab, Orion Intel created a 3D replica of the plant.
    Jeff Goertzen, Oc Register, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

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