Replicate is a verb with a few related but distinctclearly different from each other; not the same meanings. Most commonly, it means to do something again or matchbe like or equal to something in quality, appearance, or result it closely. It can also mean to make an exact copy of something, especially in science or technicalconnected with specialized knowledge, tools, or a particular field contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈrɛplɪkeɪt/
Easy pronunciation: REP-li-kate (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Verb meaning to do something again or reproduce a result.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Replicate Meaning
to do something again, or reproduce an action or result
Part of speech: verb
Definition: make or do or perform again
Example: He tried to replicate his earlier success in the final round.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- repeat — Works well for doing an action again.
- duplicate — Can fit when the result or action is reproduced, but it is less common in everyday speech.
- double — Can suggest doing something again, but is less precise than repeat.
- reduplicate — A formal or technical synonym, but uncommon in modern usage.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Replicate
Meaning 2
to make an exact copy of something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: reproduce or make an exact copy of
Example: Scientists tried to replicate the experiment under the same conditions.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- copy — A practical synonym when something is duplicated closely or exactly.
- duplicate — Works when an exact or very close copy is meant.
Meaning 3
to bend backward
Part of speech: verb
Definition: bend or turn backward
Example: The leaf margin was described as replicate in the botanical report.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- retroflex — A technical term for bending backward.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Replicate Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- repeat
- duplicate
make an exact copy of
- copy
- duplicate
bend or turn backward
- retroflex
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using replicate to mean only 'copy' in every context; it can also mean to do something again.
- Confusing replicate with reproduce in biology or science, where the exact sense depends on context.
- Using retroflex as a general synonym for replicate; it belongs only to the backward-bending sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does replicate mean?
Replicate can mean to do something again, to make an exact copy of something, or in a technical sense, to bend backward.
What is a simple synonym for replicate?
Repeat is the best simple synonym when replicate means to do something again. Copy works when it means to make an exact copy.
Is replicate the same as duplicate?
Sometimes. Duplicate can work when replicate means to make a close or exact copy, but it is not always the best match for every sense.
What is the difference between replicate and repeat?
Repeat means to do something again. Replicate can mean that too, but it can also mean to make an exact copy, especially in scientific or technical use.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
