Definition of copycatnext
as in imitator
a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way every rock singer who makes it big soon has a whole cluster of copycats

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copycat

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior a performer who slavishly copycats another never rises to the level of true stardom

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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 copycat
Noun
We’re told the NHL is a copycat league, so what team serves as a template for Steen’s trades/signings in the coming seasons? Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Novo also sued Hims & Hers earlier this year over its copycat version of the Wegovy pill. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
But factors including insurance coverage, pricing, copycat drugs and the development of new pills will ultimately determine how far the treatments will reach. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2025 Maybe don’t copycat Netflix so much, other streamers. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for copycat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copycat
Noun
  • Boards can adopt it, investors can ask for it, cities can condition incentives on it, and the companies with the best results have the most to gain from standards, because standards are how leaders get distinguished from imitators.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • That's the real test that will ultimately determine whether the Denza Z is a genuine rival or simply another very fast imitator.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • One wanted a three-piece suit, another copied a loose-fitting suit in a style Hattie often wears, another had a Jackie O-style minidress in mind, and the fourth wanted a high-neck top with buttons up the back, with matching trousers and shawl.
    Jessica Salter, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • On Friday, people are waiting for your approval and copying you on the important email.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When her mother brought home a Boswell Sisters record, a young Ella Fitzgerald spent hours imitating the group’s front woman, Connee Boswell, in an effort to learn to sing.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • See, for instance, the song the women of the cast performed imitating the fervor for him.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gastélum posted similar content on his Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts, which together had more than 1 million followers.
    Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Edo joined thousands of friends and followers in Eugenie’s comment section, sharing three pink hearts and an angel baby emoji.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Texas Super Kings aim to replicate Chennai's successful model of loyalty and community engagement.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Billionaire Shark Tank star and KIND bar founder Daniel Lubetzky has said his advice for Gen Z is to double down on the skills that technology cannot easily replicate.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, what fascinates aspiring neurologist Makenzie Stovall is the idea that AI is trying to emulate the brain — an organ whose inner workings continue to leave researchers dumbfounded.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders can emulate this in their approach to lead and inspire others.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • The Canadian producer/musician creates songs that feel like they’re haunted by their own ghosts, laced with intertwining echoes, tiny sonic fractures, and a palpable sense of place.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
  • My research shows that the Hamburg massacre was not just characteristic of a broader violent moment, but also that the echoes of such violence ring loudly today.
    Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • When mice at Patricia Hunt’s lab at Washington State University began losing fetuses with devastating birth defects — facial deformities and missing hindquarters — or failed to reproduce at all, Hunt immediately put on her detective hat.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • His art education began by watching his father reproduce church murals.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copycat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copycat. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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