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 Paul fears art imitating life by also boiling down to breadline survival strategies. Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025 Many newcomers have been accused of imitating jaydes and wifiskeleton, who, like XXXTentacion before them, began in the rap underworld before turning to tears-and-terror rock. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025 The ceiling itself moves with fluid lines, imitating the waves of the sea nearby. Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2025 His rhetoric occasionally imitates Trump when talking about China and the World Trade Organization. Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitate
Verb
  • With its left hand outstretched, the robot used it to maintain balance while accurately playing shots, emulating human beings.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Thoughtful details went into the design, such as a grand entrance with a narrowing tunnel that emulates the dramatic walk into a world-class stadium.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Stars like Doja Cat and Lizzo have enjoyed poking fun and parodying the ads.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • For the social media stars — whose content parodies their real lives through comedic skits — the new baby will also present an opportunity for new kinds of videos.
    Luke Chinman, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Bibler is being charged with eight counts of possessing child pornography and eight counts of reproducing child pornography involving a victim under 13, officials said.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The talents are seen posing in a public bathroom with red and black tiles, reproducing the set of Michele’s sophomore Valentino ready-to-wear show, staged in a giant public toilet bathed in red light.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Then copy and paste the selection into a text file, note or email.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But Sally remembers her uncanny skill at copying other artists’ work, down to the finest details.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lopez noted and mocked Johnson’s comments, sarcastically asking why the mayor didn’t blame it on other historic phenomena.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • For Gen Z, shaped by a hyper-online upbringing where missteps are often amplified and mocked, being obviously earnest can feel risky.
    Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Alternatively, a star being ripped apart in TDE could produce a day-long GRB, but this scenario fails to replicate other properties of the GRB 250702B, an explosion that would require a very unusual star being destroyed by an even stranger black hole.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Conditioning on surfaces that replicate competitive demands acclimatizes the neuromuscular system, lowering fatigue risk and potentially reducing the risk of cramps.
    Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, many products are marketed to mimic popular snacks and candies, leading to accidental ingestion by consumers and children.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Rather, the bots are skilled at mimicking human reactions to stressful situations, responding to users in ways that often reflect racist and sexist biases.
    Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Revord does the audio themself, and worked with a dialect coach to perfect British accents and learn how to act without facial expressions or gestures.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Trump has done less of this in his second term, preferring to twist arms and lobby lawmakers privately this time.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitate. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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