Synonym Chooser

How is the word imitate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imitate are ape, copy, mimic, and mock. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When is ape a more appropriate choice than imitate?

The words ape and imitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

Where would copy be a reasonable alternative to imitate?

The synonyms copy and imitate are sometimes interchangeable, but copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

When is it sensible to use mimic instead of imitate?

The words mimic and imitate can be used in similar contexts, but mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

When could mock be used to replace imitate?

The meanings of mock and imitate largely overlap; however, mock usually implies imitation with derision.

mocking a vain man's pompous manner

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 imitate These technologies can imitate voices, faces and even emotional expressions with uncanny precision. Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 And beyond device checks, smart verification systems can also monitor behavioral signals—like typing speed, location, or login habits—to spot anomalies that a cloned voice can’t imitate. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 10 July 2025 His celebration imitated him sitting down playing a video game – a tribute to his former Portugal teammate Diogo Jota who died in a car crash last week. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 10 July 2025 This is not a destination with aspirations of imitating the all-inclusive, tourist-heavy spring break vibes long associated with Cabo. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for imitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitate
Verb
  • The luxury real estate development was designed to emulate the City of Lights, featuring its own Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and a 354-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 July 2025
  • While these days a voice recognition computer often listens to the trainees’ commands and reacts to them in real time, the FAA also hires people to operate as pilots on the other end of the radio to better emulate real-life situations.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The Muppet Show was parodying a format that doesn’t exist anymore.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 6 June 2025
  • Reno 911! is a mockumentary comedy series that parodies law enforcement and premiered on Comedy Central in 2003.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The disease is considered a highly invasive tumor in the central nervous system because its cells reproduce extremely quickly.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • The name McKim, Mead & White evokes the image of three portly, middle-aged men, because the most frequently reproduced photograph of the trio was taken around 1905, when all three partners were in their fifties.
    Henry Wiencek July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Cartoon by Bruce Eric Kaplan Copy link to cartoon Copy link to cartoon Link copied Shop Shop Michael told me that his team was required to attempt to verify each target: examining video footage from drones, listening to telephone conversations.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Lively’s team was also directed to make accommodations for Baldoni’s lawyers to print and copy documents.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • He was previously mocked on social media during a loss to Austin Peay in November, when the Fox College Hoops broadcast showed Clark sitting in the stands.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
  • But their identities — and the speculative affair — became fodder for millions online, from memes mocking the encounter to serious debate over HR violations.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • In an era where ideas and initiatives are easily replicated, speed and continuous refinement have become essential competitive advantages.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Mamdani’s success is certainly about his prodigious gifts as a politician, but those aren’t easily replicated.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Artificial tears and lubricants, which are sold over the counter in a variety of brands, mimic your own tears and help rewet the eyes.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 21 July 2025
  • Typically, very young children are the ones who are most excited to mimic their parents and lend a hand with laundry.
    Christine Carrig, The Atlantic, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • The Great Lakes freighter sank — one of the largest on Lake Superior ever to do so — during a violent November storm in 1975 while carrying Minnesota ore.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • The audience knows more about Jane than Xavier does.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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