1
as in follower
a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way
an Elvis imitator in a sequinned jumpsuit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in performer
a person who imitates another's voice and mannerisms for comic effect
that comedian is a hilarious imitator of a surprising array of current celebrities
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Recent Examples of imitator
Could Lightfighter – and the imitators likely to follow – even raise interest in track riding, in a world where modern sportbike performance long ago outpaced what could be exploited prudently on public roads?
—
New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2025
In several other 2025 cases, ICE agent imitators have been seeking social media clout or making a political point.
—Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Over the past two decades, China has risen from imitator to innovator, advancing rapidly in new energy, robotics, batteries and drones—and related military power.
—Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Kam Patterson, who is arriving from the Austin scene, a thriving-but-controversial branch of the comedy world loosely organized around Joe Rogan and his imitators.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
Largely touted as one of the best games ever made, Hades has inspired many imitators, many of which only superficially comprehend the special alchemy of design elements that makes the indie actioner so effective.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Anyone who has spent time on TikTok knows when someone finds a formula for capturing mass attention, imitators rush in.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
Speaking of Ripley imitators, look no further than Saltburn.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 23 Sep. 2025
Though Cox has a small role and Panettiere returns, the lack of legacy characters makes this feel like a cheap imitator at times.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Sep. 2025
New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2025
In several other 2025 cases, ICE agent imitators have been seeking social media clout or making a political point.
—Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Over the past two decades, China has risen from imitator to innovator, advancing rapidly in new energy, robotics, batteries and drones—and related military power.
—Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Kam Patterson, who is arriving from the Austin scene, a thriving-but-controversial branch of the comedy world loosely organized around Joe Rogan and his imitators.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
Largely touted as one of the best games ever made, Hades has inspired many imitators, many of which only superficially comprehend the special alchemy of design elements that makes the indie actioner so effective.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Anyone who has spent time on TikTok knows when someone finds a formula for capturing mass attention, imitators rush in.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
Speaking of Ripley imitators, look no further than Saltburn.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 23 Sep. 2025
Though Cox has a small role and Panettiere returns, the lack of legacy characters makes this feel like a cheap imitator at times.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitator
Noun
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Every brand chases clicks, followers and fleeting visibility.—
Sudhir Gupta,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
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Perhaps livestreaming a joke would resonate enough for people to tip or become a follower.—
Lavender Au,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The director also pointed to Domingo’s showmanship and performer’s spirit, which easily won over the extras on set.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Oct. 2025
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Not surprisingly, our best performer is Nvidia .—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Through his phone, Ron holds a portal into the unknown; a void filled with sporadic echoes and ostensible connections.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
9 Oct. 2025
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Between pints of cider and the echo of centuries-old walls, Prince William showed a monarchy that feels more human — and a monarch-in-waiting intent on keeping it that way.—
Erin Hill,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This is a great performance in a lousy movie, sometimes the truest measure of an actor’s grace and skill.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
12 Oct. 2025
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There’s a story about an actor called Akim Tamiroff, who played a lot of villains in fifties and sixties movies, going up and hugging the camera.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The league, of course, is full of copycats, meaning that opposing offenses will clearly try to capitalize on the Miami’s inability to stop the run.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Survivor began this season by introducing its biggest character through his enthusiasm, his story, and a lighthearted copycat routine.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The funniest part about that is Lisa Ann Walter is actually a really exceptional impressionist.—
Vlada Gelman,
TVLine,
16 Apr. 2025
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The comedian and impressionist who has done his impressions to the faces of Michael Buble, Jeff Goldblum, Paul Giamatti and more will be at American Comedy Co. 8 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The top secret agent of CONTROL is a role model for clumsy wannabe Steve Carell, though by the end, Agent 23 is the one throwing an explosive situation into total KAOS.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Best Toy from a Film Franchise Dragon rider wannabees can put their dreams into motion by bonding and engaging with the ever-playful Toothless.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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If the impersonators do not currently have the customer's PIN, the accomplice or impersonator will use social engineering techniques to obtain this from the customer.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
8 Oct. 2025
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There’s an Asian Elvis impersonator, a kid sporting a fake beard, a nurse with mime makeup, and even a few interpretive dancers thrown into the mix.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imitator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitator. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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