The best replacement for distribution list is security group.

The best alternatives to distribution list are rated as following:
★★★★★  security group
★★★★  shared mailbox
★★★★  mailing list
★★★  contact group
★★★  alias
★★★  listserv
★★★  distribution group
★★★  dynamic distribution list
★★  mailbox
★★  ad group
★  organizational mailbox
★  listservs
★  public folder
★  group outlook
  active directory group

Your alternative for distribution list is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about distribution list, one probably shouldn't forget about external email addresses exchange.

Other search terms related to distribution list and their ratings are:
★★★★★ external email addresses exchange
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Google Trends

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distribution list
security group
shared mailbox