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 Without this abundance, reproduction rates fall, cub survival drops, and entire ecosystems can shift. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 Driving the species’ new life in the fast lane are chromosomes involved with growth rate and reproduction timing, Zarri explains. Martin J. Kernan, Scientific American, 26 Sep. 2025 But the law of plantation reproduction revolved around profit. Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025 Young people themselves seem to want to have this more expansive, impartial information about reproduction. Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Swift had some help in the sales department from many of her fans buying multiple copies of the album.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
  • However, a copy was not made public.
    Darlene Superville, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In response to a Star inquiry, the State Department confirmed Arrington’s role in obtaining the replica and described the former director as helpful and knowledgeable.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Their 306,000-gallon ocean habitat is complete with a replica shipwreck that houses sharks, tarpon, and several other fish species.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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