ape 1 of 3

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

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ape

2 of 3

adjective

ape

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ape distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ape are copy, imitate, mimic, and mock. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

When is it sensible to use copy instead of ape?

The words copy and ape can be used in similar contexts, but copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

Where would imitate be a reasonable alternative to ape?

Although the words imitate and ape have much in common, imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When might mimic be a better fit than ape?

The words mimic and ape are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

When could mock be used to replace ape?

While the synonyms mock and ape are close in meaning, mock usually implies imitation with derision.

mocking a vain man's pompous manner

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
Verb
But now the world’s gorillas, and also their great-ape cousins, the chimpanzees, bonobos and orang-utans, face another threat from their human neighbours: covid-19. The Economist, 16 May 2020 Walking upright on two legs is considered a human trait that separates us from our ape relatives, like chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Apr. 2020
Adjective
But there was no denying that Haddix had blatantly lied to the court about Tonka’s death after she was filmed bursting into tears while telling a judge about how the ape died of heart failure in 2021, only to run down to her basement and celebrate with the chimp a few minutes later. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025 This complex cognitive trait is observed in dogs, apes, and human babies. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Noun
All of the hallmarks that made the group such a force in the Seventies and Eighties — the irresistible melodies, the spark-up-and-chill vibes, those voices — are present here, without any trace of aping the past. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025 When one genre becomes successful, other developers ape that aesthetic, and that creates deja vu projects that feel like an experience gamers have played before. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ape
Verb
  • Perhaps, but no machine can imitate my imagination or the memories that pour through me, or feel the fear of extinguishment.
    Adam Verner September 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Sometimes art imitates life by skipping a generation.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite his frequent public appearances, Mandal continues his work as a research associate in nuclear engineering at the University of Sheffield.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Homeland Security now classifies grid protection alongside nuclear and water infrastructure.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That the officiant would be a giant anthropoid jar of mayo named Manny Mayo was actually too good to be true.
    Heather Schroering, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025
  • 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.
    Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The simple and classic wreath emulates harvest season, without all of the Thanksgiving tropes like pumpkins or squash.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025
  • The most recent victory did come with a reference to Derek Jeter, whose legendary clutch performances are something Roberts would not mind if his team emulated.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rideshare posers have also allegedly raped passengers.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
  • This was a bit of a poser for planetary scientists.
    David Szondy July 27, New Atlas, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • Around 75% of Americans are exposed to raccoons, skunks and foxes — the very wildlife that commonly spread the fatal disease to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The skunk with distemper is stuck in the window well again, chewing incessantly on the garden hose that is coiled up in there.
    Miriam Toews September 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Chennault wrote that the shark mouth didn’t originate with his group, but was copied from British P-40 fighters in North Africa, which in turn may have copied them from Germany’s Luftwaffe.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Historically start-ups were terrified of anyone outside their immediate organization learning the secrets of their innovations for fear they’d be copied.
    Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This has unintended consequences when both Batel and Spock share a vision that sends Spock into a berserk rage.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 July 2025
  • But that was before Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL tear and before UConn star Paige Bueckers went absolutely berserk, scoring 40 in the Sweet 16.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ape. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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