Synonym Chooser

How is the word imitate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imitate are ape, copy, mimic, and mock. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When is ape a more appropriate choice than imitate?

The words ape and imitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

Where would copy be a reasonable alternative to imitate?

The synonyms copy and imitate are sometimes interchangeable, but copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

When is it sensible to use mimic instead of imitate?

The words mimic and imitate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 imitate?

The meanings of mock and imitate largely overlap; however, 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 imitate The Studio is that the show is a testament to how well art can imitate life. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025 Its release created a wave of immense hype—and existential panic—about AI's ability to imitate human communication and composition. ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025 At its core is the capability of computer systems or algorithms to imitate intelligent human behavior – and in some cases improve how to interpret large amounts of data to make decisions and solve problems. Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Dive right into the award-winning film's suspense as the cardinals gather to elect a new leader and watch as art imitates life this April. Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitate
Verb
  • The deck also includes a noise reduction circuit that emulates Dolby B, enabling it to play pre-recorded Dolby B cassette tapes.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Sadly, not even id Software themselves are trying to emulate them with The Dark Ages.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • One week after Madison and Wallen's episode, SNL parodied his exit in two sketches.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • In this piece Nitwit, voiced by Matt Berry, narrates their wild journey, parodying My Name is Earl, with hilarious moments from Jennifer Coolidge.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • As natural landscapes are converted to agriculture or taken over by urban sprawl, logging operations and oil and gas exploration, ecosystems become fragmented and the space that species need to survive and reproduce disappears.
    Karrigan Börk, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
  • This material is not to be reproduced or redistributed absent the written consent of Fairlead Strategies.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • But many others require clinicians to copy and paste transcripts, adding friction instead of removing it.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • To Goldsborough, the fact that Joker's behavior got copied by his peers reveals the strength of these monkeys' drive to learn from others, even if the behavior doesn't completely make sense or have an obvious, immediate benefit.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Read: The attack on trans rights won’t end there The impossible becoming possible is a hard thing to process—and easier to reject or mock than to understand.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
  • Film director Wes Anderson mocked President Donald Trump over his plan to slap tariffs on foreign films made outside of the United States.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Elias’ main strategy has been to replicate the success of his former team, the Houston Astros, who reached the AL Championship seven straight years from 2017-2023 while winning two World Series.
    Paul Bledsoe, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
  • Russian officials also hoped a reconciliation with Washington would lead to a return of American companies, at least the high-tech giants whose services and products Moscow has not been able to replicate under sanctions.
    Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Best Wayfair Patio Furniture Memorial Day Sales If staycations are on the calendar this year, outdoor furniture that mimics the luxury and comfort of a resort is a must.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025
  • Students can also participate in team challenges that mimic real-world collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Like the Kearns have done, families could split into different rooms, as well, depending on the age of their children.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Among Democrats, 90% disapprove of Trump’s higher education tactics, as do 65% of Independents.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitate. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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