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 Many of these behaviors influence survival and reproduction, so understanding this form of diversity loss is important for successful wildlife conservation, as well as future urban planning. Daniel T. Blumstein, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026 Visitors can purchase both originals and reproductions. Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026 Bees are essential to our planet, helping to ensure plant reproduction. Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026 Debates over the fertility of mixed-race women were enmeshed in what was essentially a mass slave-breeding program in the US—reproduction as a form of population control. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • One laborer stole a parking placard and made a copy of it in order to park in a secure lot, the OIG found.
    Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The memo, a copy of which was sent to The Associated Press, followed a long day of reports suggesting Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund was on the verge of cutting its financial backing of the upstart league.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Under guidance issued by the state, replica firearms are not considered deadly weapons.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Once inside, at least three graffiti writers whose names were blasted on the replica pointed it out proudly, even gave out stickers to take home.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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