Thesaurus

imitate

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of imitate

1 to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior

teenage musicians who imitate whichever rock stars are hot

Synonyms for imitate

Words Related to imitate

pantomime

2 to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of

imitating someone's stutter and laughing at them is a cruel thing to do

Synonyms for imitate

Words Related to imitate

mime,
pantomime

3 to make an exact likeness of

a second-rate artist who was notorious for imitating the works of other painters

Synonyms for imitate

Words Related to imitate

mimic,
simulate

Near Antonyms for imitate

Antonyms for imitate

originate

Frequently Asked Questions About imitate

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