as in reproduction
something that is made to look exactly like something else
challenged me to tell the real roses from the silk imitations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in faux
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials
the stage production uses only imitation diamonds, as real gems would be prohibitively expensive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 imitation
Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
As noted earlier, both the left- and right-clickers now come wrapped in imitation leather.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026
Three of them stayed together, but the fourth couldn’t resist Bergeron’s imitation of a hen turkey calling and branched off, coming within 20 yards of the blind.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
Investigators later determined the weapon was an imitation firearm.
—Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imitation
Noun
The star also carried a gold-tone metal evening bag embellished with crystals and imitation pearls from the designer.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
As noted earlier, both the left- and right-clickers now come wrapped in imitation leather.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026
Three of them stayed together, but the fourth couldn’t resist Bergeron’s imitation of a hen turkey calling and branched off, coming within 20 yards of the blind.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
Investigators later determined the weapon was an imitation firearm.
—Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitation
Noun
-
Throughout, artworks by Lawrence Weiner and Lee Ufan are paired with reproductions of important modernist furniture by the likes of Le Corbusier and Gerrit Rietveld.—
Wendy Goodman,
Curbed,
21 Mar. 2026
-
When life falls out of sync, there can be dire consequences for health, reproduction, and survival.—
Marlowe Starling,
Quanta Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The faux mock neck appearance when the long-sleeve sweater’s zipped up gives it a little something extra.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
17 Mar. 2026
-
This faux leather style features an elegant, rounded collar and scrunched sleeves that together create a bold, endlessly versatile piece that can be thrown over a dress and knee-high boots for an afternoon brunch, or paired with denim and sneakers for a day of exploring.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Once viewed as a leader in transparency, the Sunshine State now charges exorbitant copy fees that discourage average people from requesting public records.—
David Cuillier,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Although there was merch for sale, including T-shirts and vinyl copies of A Good Night in the Ghetto, the complimentary keepsake was just one example of the mutual adoration shared between the performer and her supporters.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The fields will have both synthetic turf and natural grass.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Besides using Cinecittà’s vast ancient Rome backlot set with a Roman Forum replica, the show will also shoot in Rome’s Lazio region and in Tuscany.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The Lover’s Knot tiara was originally commissioned from the House of Garrard in 1913 for Queen Mary, designed as a replica of her grandmother’s Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara.—
Anna Grace Lee,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For the test, the radar tracked targets during two separate events, leading to simulated target engagements.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The college has built out a simulation classroom setup, where students are trained on a simulated air traffic control tower that can be manipulated by their educators.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The difference between a real deadline, imposed for legitimate reasons from without, and a fake one, conjured from within, is like the difference between eating brunch and seeing it on Instagram.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Later, O’Brien touted a fake company tasked with reformatting movies for smaller and smaller handheld devices, but the joke missed the mark.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For kayaks and stand-up paddle boarding, visit Nootka Kayak on Playa de las Anquines, an artificial beach that offers great conditions for both.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Last month, Musk’s SpaceX bought his artificial-intelligence company, xAI, which had previously acquired X.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitation. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
