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imitation 1 of 2

noun

ˌi-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce imitation (audio)
Definition of imitationnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

imitation

2 of 2

adjective

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
Noun
The dispute between these two competing modes of imitation (cut-and-paste or merge-and-blend) unsurprisingly flared up again in the Renaissance. — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 The suspect was carrying an imitation Glock-style pellet gun. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Told that imitation is the highest form of flattery, Steele guffaws. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 The Catholics in his government, from Supreme Court justices to Cabinet members to Vice President JD Vance, are acting as a rubber stamp for an imperious ruler, instead of imitations of Christ. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitation
  1. reproduction
  2. faux
  3. copy
  4. synthetic
  5. replica
  6. simulated
  7. fake
  8. artificial
Noun
  • But warmer temperatures favor mosquito reproduction and can mean the transmission season sometimes lasts as late as November, Bella explained.
    — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Copyright law then provided a framework for determining ownership, licensing, reproduction and compensation.
    — Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • Oblivious to her own biases about who Leo is and why, Mallory poses as a therapist keen on saving his life, but uses their faux sessions to mine his story for literary gold.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • That red coat Swift strutted into Arrowhead a few days before Christmas in 2024 for the Chiefs-Texans game in a statement-making, cherry red faux fur and suede coat with fluffy cuffs and collar by British label Charlotte Simone.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • However, the Daily Mail reported that on Monday a truck carrying copies was travelling between a printing plant and a warehouse in the Netherlands when it was intercepted while parked in a lay-by, with four copies of the book mysteriously stolen.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Apparently, the king was not given an advance copy, but Prince Harry did receive one weeks ago.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of copy
Adjective
  • At a September 9 meeting, the board approved further reducing synthetic pesticide use across their landscapes and expanded the areas maintained without routine synthetic pesticides.
    — Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Detox Denim eliminates synthetic pesticides and harsh chemicals and prioritizes materials and designs engineered for longevity.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Noun
  • The museum learned about the model after a video shared by Macken’s daughter featuring the replica went viral, prompting staff to reach out.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers will also create a 3-D scan of the tooth, which will be used to produce a replica.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of replica
Adjective
  • To rule this scenario out, the team built a lumpy ring model and ran 10 million simulated occultations.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Though Thursday was the formal opening of the Virtual Health System, students like Barcroft have had the opportunity to experience simulated surgeries for several months.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • When Geese’s Cameron Winter played a charity show under a fake name this January, TV Eye was the place to see it.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Several artificial-intelligence stocks meanwhile held steadier following their worldwide slide the day before, after leaders of the AI industry called for a slowdown in development to address safety issues for humanity.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Conrad and Gordon performed eight different science experiments, but perhaps one of their most striking feats was the artificial gravity demonstration.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of artificial

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imitating
imitation
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Cite this Entry

“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitation. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imitation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imitation

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