monkey 1 of 2

noun

ˈməŋ-kē How to pronounce monkey (audio)
Definition of monkeynext
1
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs I've got this monkey on my back, and going to detox is the only way to get it off

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in devil
an appealingly mischievous person come back here, you little monkey!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

monkey

2 of 2

verb

as in to ape

Related Words

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 monkey
Noun
Another example is how birds frequently follow monkeys through forests to feed on insects disturbed by their movements. — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026 Turner-Smith also shared videos of monkeys on the island, as well as the sights and hotel amenities. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
With supply running low toward the end of most evenings, savvy bun fanatics don’t monkey around, routinely calling ahead to request an extra skillet of rolls set aside just for them. — Valerie Demicheva and Flora Chang, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 July 2021 But this experiment isn't about monkeying around—this a real security and safety hazard, the researchers point out in a new paper. — Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 31 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for monkey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monkey
  1. addiction
  2. devil
  3. ape
  4. dependence
  5. rascal
  6. parody
  7. brat
  8. mimic
Noun
  • Wrestling with the realities of drug addiction is an endeavor rife with pitfalls for any filmmaker hoping to avoid easy judgment.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • After high school, Levin said, both women battled addiction, went in different directions and lost touch.
    — Ross DiMattei, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of addiction
Noun
  • Throughout the movie, two mentors stand over each of his shoulders like an aproned angel and devil.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a devil, all too ready to perch on his other shoulder, too.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of devil
Verb
  • Critics and fanboy media thrashed Supergirl not just for its Guardians of the Galaxy touchstones, but also for aping Mad Max.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • The track apes the softly anthemic approach of U2, Coldplay, and the National—until all of that elegant uplift topples like an overly ambitious wedding cake.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Definition of ape
Noun
  • Some importing countries will undoubtedly see the disruption as a reason to reduce their dependence on oil, but many may draw the opposite lesson.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Individual accounts lessen dependence on one parent to forward emails or share announcements and help avoid allegations that educational information is being withheld.
    — Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependence
Noun
  • Even though the Feeneys have gotten more competitive under the junior Michel’s management, the rascal-on-the-field ethos of the original team still prevails.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Not even the curmudgeonly Melvin can bring himself to harm the little rascal.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Definition of rascal
Verb
  • These polyester fits have also been parodied in video skits, where comedians put on an all-over polyester print outfit, like a wolf T-shirt and galaxy pants, and parody the stereotypical nerdy kid.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The popular national chain of gas stations and convenience stores agreed to settle a lawsuit with an oddities store outside Winter Park earlier this year over a collection of merchandise parodying the company’s iconic, bucktoothed logo.
    — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • Franklin had a reputation as one of the feistiest juniors in the country, a brat with a big ego and a big mouth.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • The event will have craft beer, brat tents, pony rides, a petting zoo and a kids’ area.
    — Nathan Pilling July 29, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
Definition of brat
Verb
  • Made with biotin, shea butter, and beeswax, the mascara was formulated to mimic the nourishing, strengthening effects of a lash serum.
    — Micaela English, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2026
  • GLP-1s work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.
    — Jessica Starr, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of mimic

Phrases Containing monkey

Browse Nearby Words

monk
monkey
monkey (around)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkey. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on monkey

Nglish: Translation of monkey for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monkey

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