as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior
was caught aping the substitute teacher's thick accent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in nuclear
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in aper
Related Words
2
as in anthropoid
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 ape
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
But the series’ genre switch is just a theatrical exercise, like Euphoria is putting on another play, this one against a Harmony Korine– and Quentin Tarantino–aping backdrop.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Kingdom was a continuation of the trilogy produced starting in 2011 that rebooted the franchise and focused on the rise of the ape leader known as Caesar.
—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ape
Verb
There’s a word for this type of storytelling, and Taccone deserves credit for delivering a superior version of this without outright aping its most famous practitioner.
—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
But the series’ genre switch is just a theatrical exercise, like Euphoria is putting on another play, this one against a Harmony Korine– and Quentin Tarantino–aping backdrop.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
The tasks will gradually reveal various ape facts as well as tip guests to the zoo’s conservation efforts.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Kingdom was a continuation of the trilogy produced starting in 2011 that rebooted the franchise and focused on the rise of the ape leader known as Caesar.
—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ape
Verb
-
Here was a government that had explicitly borrowed from Beijing’s developmental playbook and sincerely attempted to imitate it, but failed.
-
These are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists that imitate a natural hormone in the gut.
Adjective
-
This phase will include adding additional power generation, solar and nuclear, deploying upgraded lunar rovers and potentially drones, expanding communication networks, and delivering up to 60 tons of cargo to the lunar surface.
-
The parliamentary media center noted that the parts cut out of the Tuesday night broadcast included discussion of United Nations nuclear inspections, the country's frozen financial assets, and a $300 billion reconstruction fund.
Noun
-
There’s nothing catastrophically wrong with her eponymous protagonist: Lucy seems nice enough, has a distinct sense of style, and is witty enough to keep up with her very New York friend group that contains a healthy mix of genuine achievers and very cool posers.
-
Much like how the Supreme collection adds Salem’s subterranean style to the closets of Depop posers, Red Dragon functions as a gallery of their rarest music for newcomers to gaze upon.
Noun
-
That the officiant would be a giant anthropoid jar of mayo named Manny Mayo was actually too good to be true.
-
By never breaking the anthropoid conceit — keeping Williams a chimp from working-class childhood obscurity to adult pop-stardom — Better Man evolves into the most honest and exploratory showbiz movie ever made.
Verb
-
Outfits such as The Bespoke Retreat Company, The Nest in Cornwall and Wales’ Coach House Retreat have emulated the solo aspect.
-
The driveway boys emulated everybody on those rosters.
Adjective
-
When the Spurs locked down Brunson, or tried, the ball went elsewhere, zinging around the court, from player to player, as if in a berserk video game.
-
The New York Knicks' historic comeback against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday ignited celebration as well as chaos outside Madison Square Garden as some fans went berserk, prompting dozens of arrests.
Noun
-
Steven Spielberg's dino masterpiece — which has spawned six sequels and countless imitators — ushered in a new wave of CGI filmmaking and became an instant sensation beyond what original author Michael Crichton could ever have envisioned.
-
Their clothes inspired imitators.
Noun
-
Rabies is often found in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected.
-
Hence, bright lights and sprays of water will make skunks want to flee your yard.
Cite this Entry
“Ape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ape. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
