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 Their innovation, called retina E-paper, uses nanoparticles to control how light scatters, achieving lifelike color reproduction that can be tuned electrically. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025 Burros also have a high reproduction rate, capable of increasing their population by about 20% every year, according to Rubin. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Despite the lack of change, the 2025 MacBook lost a percentage point or two of gamut reproduction and lower brightness. PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 The collection included reproductions of uniforms worn by each profession and Johnson’s modernized interpretations, enhanced with waterproofing, durability and thermal regulation. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Following the lead from state officials to raise recruitment numbers, the department lowered its physical requirements to join the academy, according to copies of the standards from 2016 and 2024.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
  • As part of the rental agreement's 75-year term, Prince Andrew and his family were previously allowed to remain at the Royal Lodge until 2078, according to a copy of the lease obtained by USA TODAY.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Having discovered a scarecrow dummy — an exact-looking replica of her costume — stashed in Sharon’s garage, a quick fingerprint dusting revealed a clear fingerprint from the kid who was on her porch at the time of Beryl’s murder.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • President Lee Jae Myung gave Trump a replica of a golden crown significant to Korea's history.
    Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!