duplicate 1 of 3

duplicate

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noun

duplicate

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verb

1
as in to copy
to make an exact likeness of art students trying to duplicate paintings in the museum's collection as part of their training

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to replicate
to make or do again we were unable to duplicate the experiment in our own lab, so we're suspicious

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to double
to make twice as great or as many the recipe can be easily duplicated in order to feed a large family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun duplicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of duplicate are copy, facsimile, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When is it sensible to use copy instead of duplicate?

The meanings of copy and duplicate largely overlap; however, copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When can facsimile be used instead of duplicate?

Although the words facsimile and duplicate have much in common, 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 duplicate?

While the synonyms replica and duplicate 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

When might reproduction be a better fit than duplicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to duplicate, 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 duplicate
Adjective
Merge duplicate records to create a cleaner, more reliable dataset. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 In the museum exhibit, a duplicate bronze panel is installed on a wall within easy reach of children as well as adults. Robert Taylor, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
Complications arise when one of the Mickeys is presumed dead and a replacement duplicate tries to take his place. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, because of a mixup, Mickey 18 emerges from the copier before Mickey 17 has actually expired; in the copying process, duplicates are forbidden. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
Some of the bugs and glitches in the original Oblivion are still present, with the ability to duplicate highly valuable items and create short cuts to master skills. Jamal Michel, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Included in the restoration was the repair of the tile roof, several new rafters duplicating the original ones, and a thorough cleaning of the building inside and out. Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for duplicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicate
Adjective
  • While the top-spec Ultra model features a carbon-fiber frame and front suspension, the Track Edition has a visually identical frame made of 6061 aluminum and is a pure hardtail with no suspension.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • That said, Target has a nearly identical bag, shape and all.
    Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Scientists created the Mars rover's newest self-portrait by stitching together 59 individual images taken by Perseverance's camera, which is located at the end of its robotic arm.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • Lee Jun-seok has sought to burnish his image as a center-right reformer who is committed to conservative policies but rejects the insulated, outdated political culture of the conservative political establishment.
    Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The Harry Potter series has sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, according to its U.S. publisher Scholastic, and has been on the New York Times Best Seller List for 843 weeks and counting.
    Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • According to Florida’s Medicaid website, out-of-state providers who have treated one of its enrollees must submit five documents to bill the program, including a six-page application, a copy of the provider’s license, and a claim form.
    Arielle Zionts, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Set in the dystopian society of Gilead, The Handmaid’s Tale follows June (aka Offred) as she’s forced to reproduce with a high-ranking commander, all while secretly plotting to overthrow the totalitarian government and reunite with the daughter who was taken from her.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Per court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the band alleged that the use of the 1994 was unauthorized, along with the company reproducing an advertisement that was very similar to the 2002 music video directed by Spike Jonze.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Beyond sustainability, there’s a raw beauty and integrity to these materials – the tonal variations in undyed wool, for example, add a depth and richness that can’t be replicated in synthetic alternatives.
    Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Then, add to that what was used to replicate a vodka martini: A glass of water with onion in it.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • In the last three years, ANF stock has more than doubled—from approximately $35 in early 2022 to almost $85 today—driven by a 155% increase in earnings per share, from $4.20 in 2021 to $10.69 in 2024.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • And famous and lesser-known bands and solo artists alike may find that the financial guarantees promoters used to pay them for their concerts and tours will shrink considerably, even as some ticket prices may double.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Washington state recently adopted a similar law, effective next year.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
  • This argument is similar to those made by Sam Altman, who has argued that OpenAI needs to unveil ChatGPT and other cutting-edge tools as fast as possible in order to show the public the power of the technology.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The precision-engineering racing rig (offered in yellow, green, blue, and orange) puts the driver into a detailed replica of a racing cockpit.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The top of the 2024 replica ring doesn’t detach, but championship pendants can be purchased separately for $249 apiece.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Duplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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