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 For dark skin tones, a deep Bordeaux color imitated the deep color of a flower in bloom. Misaki Yamashita, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025 The Cubs beat the Dodgers 16-0 on Saturday, featuring an entertaining moment in which position-player-pitching Miguel Rojas imitated the deliveries of a few Dodgers pitchers. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Moreover, these models can imitate individuals' or industries' writing styles and wording. Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 At the end of the 19th century, the Second Industrial Revolution created a class of ultra-wealthy Americans who sought to imitate European royalty and their tradition of patronage. Joanna Dee Das, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitate
Verb
  • Donald Trump's initial ascent to the presidency inspired right-wing populist politicians around the world, many of whom sought to emulate his anti-establishment and anti-immigrant messaging.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Jordan’s dual roles emulate the Rodriquez siblings who were played by George Clooney and Tarantino himself, but with no sense of parody.
    Armond White, National Review, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sherman appears as Wood’s character Chelsea, parodying her heavy Manchester accent and prominent teeth.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Silent comedies are often parodied as mere exercises in physical humor — and that element is certainly a part of their charm — but Chaplin’s work transcended pratfalls and knowing looks to the camera.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An online fundraiser for the women's coalition reproduced a letter from the Archewell Foundation, which the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, independently verified.
    Sophie Carson, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Kinkade’s enormous 1990s-era success, which saw his work reproduced on everything from collectible plates to La-Z-Boy loungers, dovetailed with the period’s culture war against the sexualization of art.
    Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Its origins date back to 19th-century Maine as a term given to someone initiating or copying the work or actions of others.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • For example, customer details might be copied into the orders table, eliminating the need for joins when querying orders.
    Arie Abramovici, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Does the fact that these Black leaders are among the rich that dandies would have mocked savor the inheritance of the style tradition or sully it?
    Akilah Sailers, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In the first round, the team stayed put at No. 14 and still landed a player that was widely mocked to the team in tight end Tyler Warren.
    Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Even her accessories choices have a sophisticated touch, especially her rounded gold-trim sunglasses and animal print oversized tote bag — replicate her look with the items below.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Will this new-look Oregon passing attack be able to replicate the recent success under Gabriel and, before him, Bo Nix? Tune in to the Big Ten Network on Saturday for the Oregon Spring Game.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While the filling is made of microfiber, the material mimics both the fluffiness and warmth of authentic down.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Using paint to mimic the look of a runner is a creative, unexpected way to add interest to your non-carpeted stairs.
    Katie Akin, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Svalbard is governed by a 1920 treaty that gives over 40 countries, including Russia, China and the U.S., equal rights to live and do business there.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Once you're done, gently rinse away all shaving cream with warm water, and pat dry with a clean towel. 7.
    Megan Gustashaw, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitate. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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