as in imitators
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in copies
to make an exact likeness of
asked her stylist to copycat a hairstyle from the magazine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imitates
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of copycats
Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to Lilli’s likeness, the contract also granted Marx the right to defend it from copycats.
—Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
After all, would-be copycats are not the only observers.
—Jonathan Powell, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
There was another culprit and likely multiple copycats, who were never caught.
—E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Many of them were rather underwhelming – limited utility, weird forms, copycats and other subpar debuts – but a few stood tall above the pack.
—New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2025
Just like in fashion, there is a risk of getting tangled into trend cycles and copycats.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025
Novo Nordisk helped establish the market, but is losing market share to Eli Lilly and cheaper copycats and struggling to impress investors with its drug pipeline.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
The two horror classics were made five years apart (1973 and 1978), and launched a bloody string of sequels and copycats.
—Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
In the week following Shirley’s viral video, a host of copycats went out to day-care facilities around the country and posted their own videos.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to Lilli’s likeness, the contract also granted Marx the right to defend it from copycats.
—Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
After all, would-be copycats are not the only observers.
—Jonathan Powell, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
There was another culprit and likely multiple copycats, who were never caught.
—E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Many of them were rather underwhelming – limited utility, weird forms, copycats and other subpar debuts – but a few stood tall above the pack.
—New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2025
Just like in fashion, there is a risk of getting tangled into trend cycles and copycats.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025
Novo Nordisk helped establish the market, but is losing market share to Eli Lilly and cheaper copycats and struggling to impress investors with its drug pipeline.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
The two horror classics were made five years apart (1973 and 1978), and launched a bloody string of sequels and copycats.
—Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copycats
Noun
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Although Rudolph’s concrete architecture was more complex and soulful than that of many of his imitators, that difference was often overlooked.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
13 Jan. 2026
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The film introduced new slang into the lexicon, repopularized surf rock, and spawned dozens of fast-talking imitators.—
Katie Rife,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite initial skepticism, the 1994 tournament drew record crowds and $50 million surplus, spurring MLS’s creation and innovations FIFA now copies worldwide.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Just look at Apple’s new product line that copies everything from the previous one, except the thickness.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The layered neckline, with the bust peeking out from behind, imitates this season's hottest red carpet trend, the semi-visible bra.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
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Its light imitates an actual sunrise, gradually going from red to bright white.—
Quincy Bulin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Even followers of British royalty can make a heritage visit to the final resting place of Princess Alice of Battenberg, grandmother of King Charles, who is entombed on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Hundreds of followers from all walks of life, men and women, Black and white, lived as equals under the minister’s leadership.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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EagleMania not just reproduces the music of the famous rock band with their five-part harmony and guitar work but captures their distinct sound.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Jan. 2026
-
So little is known about how the fish reproduces that no one has been able to successfully breed them in captivity.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
27 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This rustic buffet cabinet from The Pioneer Woman’s Walmart collection emulates this traditional furniture piece with a few modernized updates.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
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Everything from the stunning lighting design (courtesy of Justin Townsend) to Groff's crooning vocals emulates a '50s night club.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Nov. 2025
Noun
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While the echoes of a pre-Chichén Itzá power still linger in every stone and shadow, contemporary Maya culture is thriving.—
Gemma Price,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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The NovaCare Complex offers a natural silo where Hurts’ actions create the loudest echoes.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The placebo treatment replicates every aspect of SAINT except for the magnetic field fully entering the patient’s brain, Bentzley explained.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
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One is called the BEAST, which is a traction testing device that replicates the movements of an NFL player.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Copycats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copycats. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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