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 For the past six years, a life-size bronze replica of Jake Duque has stood atop a concrete platform in a Miami Lakes park named in his honor. Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 The last ducked behind a replica stagecoach on display inside. Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026 That’s the key to all-day comfort in any pair of jeans, and these offer a virtual replica of Wilde’s style. Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Guests receive a certificate of purchase, a cubic zirconia replica necklace and instructions for picking up the real necklace at one of Solomon Brothers' three Atlanta-area stores. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • The family snaps included a black-and-white image of a shirtless Hefner cradling the newborn, Lambropoulos Hefner introducing her daughter to their son Forrest, 3, as well as Forrest holding his baby sister, who was sweetly swaddled in pink.
    Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
  • After the image of Rhaenyra jumping to her own death and landing on spikes, Rhaenyra sees a depiction of her on the Iron Throne with blood streaming down from the crown on her head and surrounded by dragon flames.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The question is whether the people who filled it out can get a copy.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Printer Deals Compact enough to fit on any crowded dorm desk, the Canon Pixma TS6520 offers complete print, copy, and scan functionality.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In the throwback snap, the twins could be seen doing a cannonball into the pool.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • However, many brands have options that range from twin to California king.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Many occur naturally in the body and act as chemical messengers, influencing metabolism, inflammation, reproduction and other physiological processes.
    Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Big reveals operate to compete within the dizzying churn by making a spectacle out of commonplace family reproduction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Life has beaten down Weisman’s Jake Levinson, once the radical front man of a bad Rage Against the Machine clone, into a dead-eyed nihilist.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The clone theory has become a popular one in recent years, especially amid developments in AI and the use of holographic performers.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Voters will just go with the real thing as opposed to the imitation.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The shoes have also inspired countless imitations from other brands, making the popular design more affordable and accessible, while the original remains highly coveted among shoe lovers.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The researchers recovered usable DNA from 95 historical specimens spanning nearly 140 years and compared them with modern samples collected in the 2000s, and the results painted a sobering picture.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The fund would modernize the state’s 911 services to keep up with today’s technology, like allowing callers to send text messages, pictures and videos to emergency dispatchers.
    Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Some sets come with additional lids, which may be duplicates or something unique, such as specially sized lids for soda bottles.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The duplicate reporting allegedly lowered some consumers' credit scores and, in some cases, affected their ability to obtain credit.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on replica

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster