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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Most people now encounter the world through algorithmic feeds built to warp reality, on platforms with every commercial incentive to keep users scrolling and very little incentive to distinguish genuine interest from astroturfed imitations.
—Lane Brown, Vulture, 15 May 2026
The imitation restaurants are a form of flattery, Bob Auerbach, the founder’s stepson, previously told The Times.
—Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Every artist knows there is an absolute divide between inspiration and imitation.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imitation
Noun
Experience has taught me that too much imitation can paralyze you.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Most people now encounter the world through algorithmic feeds built to warp reality, on platforms with every commercial incentive to keep users scrolling and very little incentive to distinguish genuine interest from astroturfed imitations.
—Lane Brown, Vulture, 15 May 2026
The imitation restaurants are a form of flattery, Bob Auerbach, the founder’s stepson, previously told The Times.
—Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Every artist knows there is an absolute divide between inspiration and imitation.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitation
Noun
-
Over time, the theory goes, this will disrupt the reproduction cycle, thereby increasing competition and decreasing the overall population.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
4 June 2026
-
Melious will discuss different types of reproduction found in our trees, the consequences, and management of trees in your own yard.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Everyone in the community center put down their faux salads to stare at us.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The store offers an extensive botanical shop and with a large assortment of both faux and dried botanicals for DIY arrangements or on-site styling help from an expert.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Multiple copies of Howl, Kaddish, and assembled collections of complete verse lined (and still line) my bookshelves.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The California Secretary of State’s office encouraged voters in that position to bring identification to the polling location, or include a copy in a vote-by-mail ballot.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Without synthetic nitrogen fertilizer, researchers estimate farmers could only feed around half of the approximately eight billon people on the planet.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
1 June 2026
-
In practice, Teng explained, this means customers will soon be able to create a synthetic version of certain stocks by converting them into a digital token on the company’s BNB blockchain.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
In Nigerian churches, fans hoisted aloft replica trophies at thanksgiving prayer services.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
29 May 2026
-
Officers detained many of the people in the fight after chasing them down and later found the replica Glock gun, police said.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Skubal, recovering from an innovative new surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow, is scheduled to throw another simulated game Monday.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
-
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal returned to throwing barely a week after having the procedure and threw a simulated game 20 days after the surgery.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the show, shy Briar U music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and cocky team captain Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) begin fake-dating to try to catch the attention of Hannah’s crush.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
28 May 2026
-
The schemes involve the use of fake court documents regarding false traffic and criminal infractions.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Marlon asks, pointing to an artificial division between the Wayans' sketch comedy series, In Living Color, and Thompson's longtime home, Saturday Night Live.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
-
Resistance to artificial turf might be eased if the city had taken the time to explain in great detail its benefits and risks.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitation. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
