Synonym Chooser

How does the noun facsimile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of facsimile are copy, duplicate, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

When is it sensible to use copy instead of facsimile?

In some situations, the words copy and facsimile are roughly equivalent. However, copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When can duplicate be used instead of facsimile?

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

a duplicate of a house key

When might replica be a better fit than facsimile?

Although the words replica and facsimile have much in common, 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

In what contexts can reproduction take the place of facsimile?

While in some cases nearly identical to facsimile, 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 facsimile The atmosphere backstage was essentially a facsimile, with artists finding a deft balance between celebrating their wins while acknowledging the awards happening in the wake of a major natural disaster. Katie Bain, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025 Whereas the first iteration of The Resistance seemed primed with potential, this facsimile feels far more muted and more than a little like a communal therapy session. Philip Elliott, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025 The piece at the Margulies is a facsimile of the first apartment Suh rented in New York. Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025 In a universe where Arsenal and Spurs are facsimiles of the same original, this game would be decided only by who are the more faithful version. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for facsimile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facsimile
Noun
  • Newsweek's analysis of Google Earth imagery shows that construction of the replica compound began sometime between mid-October and early November 2014.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • By bringing these artwork replicas to Little Haiti, the organizers hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for Haiti’s contributions to the global cultural landscape.
    Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The latter case was especially alarming because, like a lot of classic films and shows, the title isn’t available as a digital copy.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In total, the series has sold almost three million copies worldwide and garnered critical acclaim, with Children of Blood and Bone being featured as one of the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, a New York Times Notable Children’s Book, and a Kirkus Prize Finalist, among other distinctions.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • What Makary decides to do will go a long way in determining the extent to which Kennedy is able to remake American health in his image.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Aerial images captured by drones are loaded onto maps made with geographic information system (GIS) technology.
    Ryan Lanclos, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While this research is an important first step, future research will need to expand these datasets, use satellite tracking to follow potential neonate movement, and explore whether other environmental factors, such as deep-sea features or seasonal cycles, play a role in whale shark reproduction.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The exhibition at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex through Saturday, April 19, features reproductions rather than original artworks.
    Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • He and Amal, 47, share twins, Ella and Alexander, 7.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Just a short hike from the parking area, this rock art features several figures, including twins.
    Maya Silver, Outside Online, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • To use the new system, fans use the app to take a picture of their face, which is converted into a code, which is then associated with the fan’s account and the image is deleted.
    Josh Bruni, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Just a few months removed from the Eaton and Palisades fires, Dodgers fans taking pictures and posting them on social media will, in many cases, be providing free publicity to Phillips 66.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Neither society knows how to handle two clones coming face-to-face, and goes to extraordinary lengths — mostly involving murder — to prevent it from happening.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025
  • When the inevitable happens, new clones of Mickey are simply printed up and all his memories are restored one by one.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • He's got a little sidekick over there named Mark Paoletta who is one of the people in the portrait with Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo and Clarence Thomas.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Enter the boardroom and there is a framed portrait of Arend on the left-hand wall.
    Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facsimile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facsimile. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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