Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

ape

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of ape

to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior
  • The younger boys thought it was funny to ape their older brothers.
Synonyms of ape

copy, copycat, emulate, imitate, mime, mimic
Words Related to ape

ditto, echo, reecho, repeat

burlesque, caricature, lampoon, mock, parody, travesty

impersonate, perform, play

pantomime

Synonym Discussion of ape

copy, imitate, mimic, ape, mock mean to make something so that it resembles an existing thing. copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.
    • copied the painting and sold the fake as an original
imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.
    • imitate a poet's style
mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.
    • pupils mimicking their teacher
ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.
    • American fashion designers aped their European colleagues
mock usually implies imitation with derision.
    • mocking a vain man's pompous manner

Learn More about ape

  1. See words that rhyme with ape Dictionary: Definition of ape Medical Dictionary: Definition of ape Spanish Central: Translation of ape Nglish: Translation of ape for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ape for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ape

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ape? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games