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 On Thursday, the denim brand launched the Levi’s x Sonic Youth Band Tee Collection, a line of reproductions of rare, vintage tees. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Mar. 2025 Hess’s book arrives at a historical moment—post-Dobbs, pro-natalist, techno-dystopian—in which both pregnant bodies and the stuff of reproduction itself have come under an extraordinary degree of scrutiny, judgment, and control. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 Fruit fly reproduction Fruit fly reproduction can happen quickly. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 Once the flowers are pollinated, the plant shifts its resources to the next step of reproduction—seed formation, which requires a lot of energy. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • There was a grocery list, spice cans, copies of L.A. newspapers.
    Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Oblivion is estimated to have sold over nine million copies in the first nine years of its release.
    Carlie Procell, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And behind the scenes, Ocado uses digital twin technology, essentially a virtual replica of the warehouse, to simulate and optimize everything from customer demand to delivery routes.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Aaron Paul gives a compelling double performance as both the astronaut Cliff and a robot replica of Cliff temporarily controlled by fellow astronaut David (Josh Hartnett).
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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