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 Ryan said that given how important singing is to whales’ reproduction, social interactions and foraging, their silence signals trouble. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025 Their decline could have far-reaching impacts on plant reproduction and the health of ecosystems. Sarah Metz, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2025 While this research is an important first step, future research will need to expand these datasets, use satellite tracking to follow potential neonate movement, and explore whether other environmental factors, such as deep-sea features or seasonal cycles, play a role in whale shark reproduction. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 The exhibition at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex through Saturday, April 19, features reproductions rather than original artworks. Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 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 15 Apr. 2025.

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