imitation 1 of 2

noun

ˌi-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce imitation (audio)
Definition of imitationnext
as in reproduction
something that is made to look exactly like something else challenged me to tell the real roses from the silk imitations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

imitation

2 of 2

adjective

as in faux
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials the stage production uses only imitation diamonds, as real gems would be prohibitively expensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 imitation
Noun
The pair described childhood bedrooms covered in surf magazine cutouts and boards decorated with stickers in imitation of pro riders, calling the capsule a nod to that same impulse to live inside surf culture even when not in the water. — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 But influence and imitation are very different things. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026 Reggano Ranch and Bacon Pasta Salad Kit Reggano Ranch and Bacon Pasta Salad Kit includes pasta, vegetables, seasoning, and imitation bacon chips for a quick side dish. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 The films have spawned endless imitations, parodies and spinoffs, such as this week’s Verizon commercial featuring Myers and co-stars Seth Green, Mindy Sterling and Rob Lowe. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitation
  1. reproduction
  2. faux
  3. copy
  4. synthetic
  5. replica
  6. simulated
  7. fake
  8. artificial
Noun
  • In South Florida, the semi-aquatic species has a high reproduction rate and is a generalist feeder, gobbling everything from crabs to snakes to small mammals, according to FWC.
    — Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026
  • Today, styles ranging from historic reproductions to merely Ghurka-inspired can be sourced from brands including Bryceland’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Todd Snyder and more.
    — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • In others, background actors adjust their chain mail and faux furs and clutch prop weapons, some of which are designed to explode and splatter blood on impact.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
  • Outdated trends like faux barnwood and glossy finishes are being replaced by authentic, low-maintenance materials.
    — Nomita Vaish-Taylor, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • League winners would receive a refund of their buy-in, an NFL jersey and helmet of their choice, scouting classes with Miller and a copy of Madden 20, according to the post.
    — Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Bliss Brain sent me a copy of this game for the purposes of this review.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of copy
Adjective
  • The reactors convert hydrocarbon feedstocks into the company’s synthetic Fractal Graphene products through a continuous manufacturing process.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • Because SpudCells’ genome is split across several separate pieces of DNA rather than a single molecule, as in a real cell, some of the synthetic cells fail to inherit a complete set of genes.
    — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 14 July 2026
Definition of synthetic
Noun
  • Not far away lay a replica Viking longship, a smaller version of the vessel used by their spiritual and ancestral kin to explore and raid from North America to North Africa a millennium earlier.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • He was later fished out — and a replica was installed on White House grounds.
    — Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2026
Definition of replica
Adjective
  • After receiving the drone’s information, the fighter successfully completed a simulated engagement against the radar site.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • Blake Snell — who also had loose bodies removed from his pitching elbow, undergoing a NanoNeedle Scope procedure on May 19 — threw two simulated innings to batters Saturday.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • Ify’s box contains a fake $100 bill, but Catherine decides to keep her box.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Judges around the country have seen a rise in threats of violence and intimidation, including a fake swatting call to police about Barrett’s home in May.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Controversial space mirror satellite Not everyone is looking forward to artificial daylight.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • Players had the run of the place on real grass, not the artificial turf in place for NFL games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of artificial

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imitating
imitation
imitations
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Cite this Entry

“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imitation

Nglish: Translation of imitation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imitation

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