imitation

1 of 2

noun

im·i·ta·tion ˌi-mə-ˈtā-shən

Synonyms of imitation next

: an act or instance of imitating

: something produced as a copy : counterfeit

: a literary work designed to reproduce the style of another author

: the repetition by one voice of a melody, phrase, or motive stated earlier in the composition by a different voice

: the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea

: the assumption of behavior observed in other individuals

imitation

2 of 2

adjective

: resembling something else that is usually genuine and of better quality : not real

imitation leather

Examples of imitation in a Sentence

Noun Children learn by imitation of adults. The restaurant was designed in imitation of a Japanese temple. He did a hilarious imitation of his father. The real diamonds are in a museum. These are just imitations. Adjective the stage production uses only imitation diamonds, as real gems would be prohibitively expensive

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With Matthew Stafford now injury-free and reverting back to his Super Bowl form, and Puka Nacua doing his best Cooper Kupp imitation, our Rams are sure to be in the race for the postseason. —

Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2023 There are several types of vanilla extract, and the battle between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla is never-ending. —

Molly Allen, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2023 Each offense authored its Rip Van Winkle imitation, napping through barren first, second and fourth quarters. —

Ledeai, Journal Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2023 And to our immense relief, the C5 has a full set of proper, round, white-on-black instruments that are neither a weak imitation of an arcade game nor afflicted with any needles that fall as the temperature rises. —

Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023 The second roll, wrapped in white soy paper, is filled mostly with Maryland blue crab bound with spicy mayonnaise, but also imitation crab, which the chef slips in for its sweetness. —

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 1 Sep. 2023 As American capitalism took shape and created a middle class, a Brooks Brothers suit—and its imitations—signified belonging therein. —

Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, The New Republic, 14 Aug. 2023 Some include nori in the bake itself, some top it with raw sushi-grade fish after baking, others make unique vegetarian creations or opt for shrimp, scallops, salmon, canned tuna, or real crab over the imitation stuff. —

Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2023 In the case of both platforms, their popularity dictated imitation; the very thing that doomed the clones. —

Katherine Alejandra Cross, WIRED, 13 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ymytacyoun "emulation," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French imitacion, borrowed from Latin imitātiōn-, imitātiō "action of copying, copy," from imitārī "to follow as a pattern, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

Adjective

from attributive use of imitation entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of imitation was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century