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

Examples 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 The book's stories range from topics as obscure as cheetah reproduction, to stories as big as the Holocaust. David Pogue, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2024 The sound reproduction is detailed and accurate, showcasing all VPI’s best qualities. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Are people dropping these notions of specific turn-on in behaviors or specific details of reproduction or jawbones or whatever? Janna Levin, Quanta Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 This vintage reproduction honors the tourbillon Ref. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reproduction 

Thesaurus Entries Near reproduction

Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

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