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 Like all rodents, voles have an impressive rate of reproduction with multiple litters per year and 5 to 7 babies per litter. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026 As for reproduction, the keepers don’t need to tell the roaches twice. Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026 One of the key factors in annual tick numbers is reproduction. Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 12 Feb. 2026 The images captured by bystanders and immigration agents were reminiscent of the lynching postcards that white spectators once bought and traded — reproductions of retributive violence, tailor-made to titillate and intimidate. Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • In 2006, one copy of the dress sold at auction for a record-breaking £467,200 (about $604,000 today).
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The series is based on the best-selling manga + light novel franchise, which has sold over 56 million copies.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lego Icons Project Hail Mary Spacecraft Project Hail Mary blasts into theaters March 20, but fans can start the adventure early by building a microscale replica of the spacecraft ahead of the film’s release.
    Brittany Anas, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Feb. 2026
  • That update of the designer’s own codes was beamed into Palazzo Delle Scintille today, within which a set had been built specifically for the occasion to resemble a museum, complete with replicas of Roman sculptures currently in the Uffizi Galleries.
    Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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