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 The study could indicate that these environmental pollutants are impacting human reproduction. Melissa Willets, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, other species of chain fern employed a specialized strategy called dimorphism, producing two different leaf types for photosynthesis and reproduction. Jay Kakade may 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2025 Whether in major label studios or home recording setups, there’s always a demand for accurate reproduction of the sound captured. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Color reproduction is impressive, especially when watching nature docs or action flicks. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • The Harry Potter series has sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, according to its U.S. publisher Scholastic, and has been on the New York Times Best Seller List for 843 weeks and counting.
    Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • According to Florida’s Medicaid website, out-of-state providers who have treated one of its enrollees must submit five documents to bill the program, including a six-page application, a copy of the provider’s license, and a claim form.
    Arielle Zionts, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The precision-engineering racing rig (offered in yellow, green, blue, and orange) puts the driver into a detailed replica of a racing cockpit.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The top of the 2024 replica ring doesn’t detach, but championship pendants can be purchased separately for $249 apiece.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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