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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 new dining room is not a reproduction made to look vintage. — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2026 If a reproduction looks too shiny, Quinn suggests using a matte spray to tone down the finish. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 The Sirayatech validation model printed exceptionally well, with crisp text, sharp edges, and clean reproduction of even the smallest features. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 One can imagine the burden of splitting up a valuable estate and the myriad decisions about how to run it posthumously, such as whether to license the name or make reproductions. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction

Noun

Cinema is a relatively young art form; the idea of owning a personal copy of a film is an even more recent invention.

— Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Organizers left a copy of the letter on the floor of the business’ entryway.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of copy

Browse Nearby Words

reproducing

reproduction

reproductions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of reproduction

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

recalcitrant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes