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 During this brief time above ground, their main focus is reproduction. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025 Once the eggs are laid, keepers collect them and put them in the artificial reproduction technology lab to incubate, Foster said. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025 Denim is developed and made in Japan, while the damask is made by Britain’s Humphries Weaving, which specializes in historical reproductions for silk wall interiors. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 3 July 2025 An unconventional approach to reproduction is reportedly reducing the risk of metabolic disease. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Terms of the deal were not announced, but Taco vs. Burrito (which retails for $20 on Amazon) has sold 1.5 million copies life to date.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The full copy of the letter with signatories available at this link.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • So, no wonder a full-scale replica is going on sale again.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The model replica includes rooms inside the house, but isn't furnished.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

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