Definition of replicanext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun replica differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of replica are copy, duplicate, facsimile, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," 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

When would copy be a good substitute for replica?

The words copy and replica can be used in similar contexts, but copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When is duplicate a more appropriate choice than replica?

The synonyms duplicate and replica are sometimes interchangeable, but duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When could facsimile be used to replace replica?

While the synonyms facsimile and replica are close in meaning, facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would reproduction be a reasonable alternative to replica?

In some situations, the words reproduction and replica are roughly equivalent. However, reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

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 replica This begins with the Piazza della Signoria to see the replica of Michelangelo’s David, followed by Museo Nazionale del Bargello (The Bargello Museum), where the bronze Davids by Verrocchio and Donatello are housed. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026 It is believed that twenty-five Testa Rossa replicas were built, with fewer than five remaining worldwide. New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026 If $10 million votes of confidence are the future currency of South Florida’s economic development, then some parts of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties might well become the Silicon Valley replica that some planners and developers envision. David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026 Maria Antonia Cay, who owns the iconic Latino social club Toñita’s in Williamsburg, posed fiercely inside of a perfect storefront replica of her Brooklyn bar. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • The images from the doorbell camera show the intruder approaching the alcoved entryway of Guthrie’s house with his head down, walking hunched over, as if trying to avoid his face being seen.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • But prompts can also contain other videos and images.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Around 656 boxes of original 2020 election records – as opposed to copies – were seized, according to Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The National Owners Association, an independent franchisee advocate group, adopted a Franchisee Bill of Rights in August and circulated it in an email to members last month as the standards took effect, according to a copy of the message viewed by CNBC.
    Kate Rogers, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • My favorite finds are scent twins with luxe brands like Le Labo, Chanel, Dior, and Gucci—just to name drop a few.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In the film, the twins return from Chicago in the early 1930s, which inspired Carter to turn to photos of Chicago gangsters from the era.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The images captured by bystanders and immigration agents were reminiscent of the lynching postcards that white spectators once bought and traded — reproductions of retributive violence, tailor-made to titillate and intimidate.
    Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • And human reproduction in space, along with genetic challenges, is a complete unknown.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • These unauthorized deepfakes and voice clones of actors violate the most basic aspects of personal autonomy and should be deeply concerning to everyone.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But these jailbirds aren’t using their own fingers to fire off missives or create clones.
    Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Somewhere between folk art and statement home decor, this four-panel imitation of an impressionist oil painting says a thing or two about your knack for putting a room together.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
  • But Baehren and Carvalho pointed out that these behaviors, which took place rarely and in captivity, might only be imitations of human communication.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Written and performed Kentucky natives Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley, the this song is love note to Kentucky which paints a nostalgic picture of familiar landscapes like old barns, tobacco patches, and the specific, winding journey of the Kentucky Mountain Parkway.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Oliver Weiken—picture alliance/Getty Images As the top-scoring qualifier, Gremaud was the final competitor to take her first turn, following Gu.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Several of the files appear to be duplicates, the news outlet reported.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Most posts do not receive much engagement, and approximately one-third of the site’s messages are duplicates of viral templates.
    Tharin Pillay, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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