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 Whereas 90 percent of mammal species separate after reproduction, 90 percent of bird species stay together. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025 Krulik said applicants send in images of items for appraisal and get a ticket, but in-person viewing is necessary to determine if an artwork isn’t a reproduction or an oleograph, a print textured to resemble an oil painting. Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 24 Jan. 2025 The body requires manganese for immune function, blood sugar regulation, digestion, reproduction, bone health, blood clotting, antioxidant defense, and many more bodily processes.12 Manganese is found in many plant and animal foods, such as nuts, seeds, seafood, fruit, and beans. Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Feb. 2025 This discovery is one of many cases where fungi alter host behavior to facilitate their own reproduction. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction

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Cite this Entry

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

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