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 Shenzhou 21 is also carrying six types of experimental samples and four black mice for experiments related to reproduction in low Earth orbit. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025 As their way of life has deteriorated, traditional skills have been lost, such as the skill to navigate the open ocean, a necessity for commerce and even reproduction. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025 Ultimately restrictions grew on what people could keep and take home, encouraging natural reproduction. Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025 The Givenchy couture atelier created four iterations of the little black dress—one original and three reproductions. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Sean Soendker Nicholson, a political consultant working with the referendum campaign, called People Not Politicians, provided The Star with a copy of the contract.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The original bell was replaced on the underwater ship with a replica, engraved with the 29 sailors' names on it.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The private museum also has a replica of Sputnik 1, Project Apollo displays, and an Engine Evolution area that lets visitors get a close-up view of rocket engines and jet turbines.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

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