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 Some will welcome it; there is certainly an argument that the attempts to imitate Guardiola’s style, playing from the back against high-class opponents with a plan to press them into mistakes, led to some coaches leading their teams like lambs to the slaughter. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 In an instance of art imitating life, the film's soundtrack also achieved great success as the highest-debuting soundtrack of 2025 on the Billboard 200. Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025 One look at the Unitree Robotics YouTube channel tells you how the company is focused on training the G1 humanoid to perform actions and imitate humans. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025 Now almost two, Arthur has been imitating his mother’s movements. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitate
Verb
  • The high-neck long-sleeve bodysuit, jersey boots, corset mini dress and gloves — all in a subtle floral pattern — emulated her style evolution from casual to high-fashion.
    Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • According to Sanogo, following celebrities can subconsciously encourage people to emulate their fashion, food choices, pets, vehicles, or other aspects of their lifestyles.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After the relationship between Swift and Kelce went public, Pomeroy made a video parodying a day in her life, hearing her name around Kansas City.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • As Buffy, Shannon Elizabeth parodied the girl-next-door archetype, eventually proving to be not so innocent behind the scenes.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Regular vacuuming is an easy way to prevent carpet beetles from reproducing in your home.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Funyyzo Wide-Leg Pants Inspired by Kelly Clarkson Or, consider copying Clarkson’s red-hot look with these vibrant pants that have amassed more than 5,100 perfect ratings.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • If the video includes content copied from the creator’s channel that does not adhere to fair use guidelines, YouTube suggests also submitting a copyright removal request.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The principal of a Chicago elementary school that employs a teacher who appeared to mock the assassination of Charlie Kirk apparently portrayed the educator as a victim amid backlash over her behavior.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • He has already been known to privately mock conservative pastors.
    Rev. Nathan Empsall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Yet that may be exactly what makes Mango House tough to replicate.
    Helen Ouyang, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Many of them come from consuming vitamin A in your diet, and might not be replicated by taking vitamin A supplements.
    Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The lining mimics sheep wool while the thick denim creates a windproof barrier that’s helpful for windy fall and winter days.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Arvind presented Eroded, a collection that mimics the effects of overdyeing.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One issue is that hypnosis has long been viewed as a form of entertainment, a stage show with a hypnotist and an audience, which can give viewers a sense that hypnosis is something done to you rather than a process that a person is led through.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • There are a lot of very respectable academics that have done a lot of really amazing work in Black Studies and Africana Studies.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on imitate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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