reduplication

noun

ri-ˌdü-pli-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce reduplication (audio)
Definition of reduplicationnext
1
as in reproduction
something that is made to look exactly like something else that old-looking colonial mansion is actually a 20th-century reduplication of the original, which was destroyed many years ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in repetition
the act of saying or doing over again ever since I was forced to do a reduplication of a day's work, I've been more conscientious about hitting my computer's "save" button

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 reduplication TikTok is a compound word that’s called (take a deep breath) an ablaut-shift reduplication because only the internal vowel changes. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2024 The collection, dubbed with another fun reduplication, Bon Bon, was inspired by the packaging for the Apple AirPods. — Leilani Marie Labong, SFChronicle.com, 26 June 2018 And yet…the rhyme schemes, the reduplication, the semantic shifts, the conversions, the deliberate grammatical oddities, and rich double entendres–Carpenter is, for some people, the greatest poet to have ever put pen to paper. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reduplication
  1. reproduction
  2. repetition
  3. copy
  4. repeat
  5. replica
  6. imitation
Noun
  • Laser Projection Benefits Laser projectors offer significantly better image quality than units based on Xenon lamps, offering a higher light output, better color reproduction, greater contrast and an overall more uniform image.
    — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Pollination is crucial to plant reproduction and the wider ecosystem that relies on plants as a food source.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Definition of reproduction
Noun
  • For each exercise, aim for two to three sets of 8-12 repetitions, two to three times per week on non-consecutive days.
    — Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • If the change introduces a new logic or compliance requirement, expect a longer runway, repetition and coaching in the flow of work.
    — Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of repetition
Noun
  • The early copy remained tucked away in Britain’s National Archives until a volunteer cataloging records from the American Revolutionary War came across it in May among the papers of Royal Navy captains.
    — Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Julia Giarmoleo, an EPA spokesperson, said the monitors did not detect elevated metals, but would not provide a copy of the data without a federal records request.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of copy
Noun
  • This season, The Invite actress is ditching sandals for the polished, rich-looking penny loafers she’s been sporting on repeat.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026
  • Messi remains in the World Cup with Argentina, seemingly poised for a repeat.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
Definition of repeat
Noun
  • The company doesn’t break out sales of individual products, but as of Thursday, Nike’s website had sold out of most adult sizes in both of the USMNT’s home and away jerseys, including both authentic and replica editions.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
  • Another replica flag steeped in American history was aboard the International Space Station from November 2014 through June 2015.
    — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
Definition of replica
Noun
  • And the guy who loved John Wayne movies and came to do a fine imitation reckoned his should be in that spirit.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 5, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026
  • In fact, the pursuit of a truly American design style—one that turns away from imitation and toward exploration—has been a focus for architects since this country was founded.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 4 July 2026
Definition of imitation

Browse Nearby Words

reduplicating
reduplication
reduplications
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Cite this Entry

“Reduplication.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reduplication. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reduplication

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reduplication

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