Synonyms

replicate

American

[rep-li-kit, rep-li-keyt] / ˈrɛp lɪ kɪt, ˈrɛp lɪˌkeɪt /

adjective

Also replicated. folded; bent back on itself.

verb (used with object)

replicated, replicating

to bend or fold back.

a replicated leaf.
to repeat, duplicate, or reproduce, especially for experimental purposes.

We were unable to replicate the same results in the field.
Genetics. (of a cell) to make a copy of (its DNA).

The cell replicates its DNA to begin the process of cell division.

verb (used without object)

replicated, replicating

(especially of DNA) to undergo replication;

Our DNA replicates at a rate of 50 nucleotides per second.

noun

something that is replicated, as an experiment or procedure.

replicate British

verb

(also intr) to make or be a copy of; reproduce
to fold (something) over on itself; bend back
to reply to

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

folded back on itself

a replicate leaf

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

nonreplicate adjective
nonreplicated adjective
replicative adjective

Etymology

Origin of replicate

First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin replicātus, past participle of replicāre “to fold back”; re-, ply ², -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They have spent this campaign trying to replicate what they did last season and, in recent weeks, there have been signs they are starting to do just that.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

By tracking the fluorescence, they could quickly determine whether the virus continued to replicate.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

“The role is ill-defined by design,” said Kanekar, whose advisory business has seen a surge of interest from organizations looking to replicate the Palantir model over the past six months.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026