1
as in performer
a person who imitates another's voice and mannerisms for comic effect
a versatile impersonator, he conjures up a glittering array of female stars and divas in the course of his act
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in actor
one who acts professionally (as in a play, movie, or television show)
a gifted impersonator who can convincingly portray both heroes and heels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of impersonator
The restaurant was once filled with neon lights, roller skating wait staff and a DJ booth complete with Elvis Presley impersonator, Vader said, describing eating there as an iconic Boise experience.
—
Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
To be fair, enlisting an impersonator to attend an awards show in their place certainly feels like the kind of high-concept goof someone like Carrey — who doesn’t make a ton of public appearances — might do.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026
Yes, that was Jim Carrey and not a clone, body double or impersonator.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Mar. 2026
The stars married in 2016 in a Las Vegas ceremony with an Elvis impersonator officiator that was livestreamed by TMZ.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 18 Feb. 2026
In other cases highlighted by TODAY, AI impersonators hawked treatments that were scientifically impossible.
—John Whyte, STAT, 17 Feb. 2026
Sometimes wrestlers have even portrayed real political figures, as when impersonators of then-Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton squared off during the 2008 presidential campaign.
—Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
There are biblical storms, creepy family members, Dolly Parton impersonators, a motel clerk named Norman, a hearty side plot involving a suffragist hit squad, and multiple houses on fire.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026
In the rollout for the record, Joji attempted to de-center himself by using an impersonator in music videos and promotional spots.
—Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
To be fair, enlisting an impersonator to attend an awards show in their place certainly feels like the kind of high-concept goof someone like Carrey — who doesn’t make a ton of public appearances — might do.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026
Yes, that was Jim Carrey and not a clone, body double or impersonator.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Mar. 2026
The stars married in 2016 in a Las Vegas ceremony with an Elvis impersonator officiator that was livestreamed by TMZ.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 18 Feb. 2026
In other cases highlighted by TODAY, AI impersonators hawked treatments that were scientifically impossible.
—John Whyte, STAT, 17 Feb. 2026
Sometimes wrestlers have even portrayed real political figures, as when impersonators of then-Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton squared off during the 2008 presidential campaign.
—Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
There are biblical storms, creepy family members, Dolly Parton impersonators, a motel clerk named Norman, a hearty side plot involving a suffragist hit squad, and multiple houses on fire.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026
In the rollout for the record, Joji attempted to de-center himself by using an impersonator in music videos and promotional spots.
—Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impersonator
Noun
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The French company was Europe's best performer in 2025 after publishing surprisingly strong data for a late-stage trial for an ulcerative colitis medicine.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
-
And to consider her as existing separate from her creators is like imagining that the ventriloquist dummy Charlie McCarthy could have a career, and an agent, separate from the real performer Edgar Bergen.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Clark would be the worst actor in the world.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy accepted Andor‘s win for best science fiction television series, with Diego Luna wining best actor and Stellan Skarsgard winning best supporting actor.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The great room — with the river as a backdrop — is anchored by a custom entertainer’s bar and built-ins, a cozy gas fireplace and a hydraulic hideaway television.—
David Caraccio
March 7,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Horschel’s abilities as a golfer, entertainer and big personality have served him well, earning him 11 professional wins and more than $40 million in earnings.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Duff played with her own public perception in the role of Olivia Burke, a famous actress who quickly takes a shine to Penn Badgley's Dan Humphrey.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The fashion designer, model, actress and New York Times best-selling author Fox recently signed with UTA.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Though Cox has a small role and Panettiere returns, the lack of legacy characters makes this feel like a cheap imitator at times.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
-
For decades, Gallup’s company and its imitators improved their techniques.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The awards show is set for March 31, with stand-up comedian, actor and impressionist Matt Friend as host.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
11 Mar. 2026
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Mimics tells the story of Sam, a struggling impressionist who makes a pact with a wicked puppet.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impersonator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impersonator. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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