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 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 If all of this does not indicate Sunny’s sentience, the facsimile thereof is uncanny. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 17 July 2024 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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Aerial images captured by drones are loaded onto maps made with geographic information system (GIS) technology.
    Ryan Lanclos, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • While Doherty's image wasn't included in the broadcast, she is included in the official In Memoriam database on The Academy's website.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That means these sharks may be investing less energy in reproduction, potentially leading to fewer successful pregnancies.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • But the science of menopause is considerably more recent, dating to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when physicians in Europe began to research the effects of chemicals secreted by the body which control reproduction.
    Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • How the role of a digital twin of the mind will evolve is still to be determined.
    Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes, 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
  • Zara and Eugenie, who turns 35 later this month, sported coordinating outfits with burgundy hues for the fashionable day out and posed together for a picture.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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
  • Scott is magnificent in the role, but this is no simple rah-rah portrait of a true American hero.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Guests will be given a welcome portrait with the first interactive QR code of the series.
    Robin Raven, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facsimile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facsimile. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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