REPRODUCTION Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reproduction

noun

ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-shən

Definition of reproduction

as in copy

something that is made to look exactly like something else walked through a reproduction of the interior of the Parthenon as it must have looked when it was first built

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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 Chanel-style logo buttons are sought after because people turn them into earrings, pendants and brooches, though genuine, replacement and reproduction versions all exist. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 Testing began with the Autodesk Kickstarter benchmark model, which remains one of the quickest ways to evaluate bridging, overhangs, dimensional accuracy, and text reproduction. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026 Laser Projection Benefits Laser projectors offer significantly better image quality than units based on Xenon lamps, offering a higher light output, better color reproduction, greater contrast and an overall more uniform image. — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Choi notably collaborated with the institution’s Learning and Engagement department on its Find Art Here program, which brought reproductions of works held in the museum’s collection to schools and libraries throughout Harlem. — News Desk, Artforum, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction

Noun

The early copy remained tucked away in Britain’s National Archives until a volunteer cataloging records from the American Revolutionary War came across it in May among the papers of Royal Navy captains.

— Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Julia Giarmoleo, an EPA spokesperson, said the monitors did not detect elevated metals, but would not provide a copy of the data without a federal records request.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of copy

Noun

The company doesn’t break out sales of individual products, but as of Thursday, Nike’s website had sold out of most adult sizes in both of the USMNT’s home and away jerseys, including both authentic and replica editions.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
Another replica flag steeped in American history was aboard the International Space Station from November 2014 through June 2015.

— Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026

Definition of replica

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reproducing

reproduction

reproductions

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“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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