Definition of mimenext
1
as in performer
an actor in a story performed silently and entirely by body movements that annoying mime on the sidewalk is pretending to be in an invisible box again

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2
as in gesture
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling the speech-impaired patient had to convey his wishes with mime or scribbled notes

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mime

2 of 2

verb

as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior as a joke, Eric knelt by the dinner table and began miming a dog begging for food

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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 mime
Noun
In person, the audience sips cocktails and witnesses top-notch side acts that cleanse the palate between improv blocks, with a mix of nationally touring stand-up, mimes, musicians and more. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026 Rae’s setup was meticulous, maximalist, and totally unified—the boa made of hundred-dollar bills, the backup dancers who looked vaguely like mimes, the scaffolding that suggested Moulin Rouge! Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
Mohebi appeared to mime the shooting of a gun after his goal, setting off criticism online. ABC News, 15 June 2026 Standing before the microphone on the Constitution Hall stage, Nikhil asked for the latter word’s definition, language of origin and other identifying information while his fingers mimed typing. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mime
Noun
  • Several years ago, performer and playwright Ty Autry had the idea of bringing together an Atlanta performing arts festival for the LGBTQ community.
    Jim Farmer, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Lorde was feeling herself, physically and metaphorically, and the voyeuristic vibes of her set freed both performer and audience alike on Day One of Lollapalooza 2026.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In chalk, the gesture is more consuming than in the finished oil, where the flesh holds its shape.
    Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That is a decision made at a moment when its cash flow leaves very little room for gestures.
    Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When her mother brought home a Boswell Sisters record, a young Ella Fitzgerald spent hours imitating the group’s front woman, Connee Boswell, in an effort to learn to sing.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • See, for instance, the song the women of the cast performed imitating the fervor for him.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The tension between the two boils over into a confrontation which only Eisenhower can adjudicate, a task complicated by his own arrogant British subordinate, a wiry and dislikable General Bernard Montgomery - played with a villainous verve bordering on the pantomime by Damian Lewis.
    Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026
  • Francis proceeds with an over-the-top childbirth pantomime that culminates in the new dad being egged on to cut the rope umbilical cord.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • One wanted a three-piece suit, another copied a loose-fitting suit in a style Hattie often wears, another had a Jackie O-style minidress in mind, and the fourth wanted a high-neck top with buttons up the back, with matching trousers and shawl.
    Jessica Salter, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • On Friday, people are waiting for your approval and copying you on the important email.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • One morning during my stay, there were even clowns buzzing about—a thrill to receive a balloon poodle alongside my morning flat white.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
  • This take on the mad clown of Gotham is less Jack Nicholson and George Romero, choosing a more stoic approach inspired by Conrad Veidt silent films and German expressionism.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, what fascinates aspiring neurologist Makenzie Stovall is the idea that AI is trying to emulate the brain — an organ whose inner workings continue to leave researchers dumbfounded.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders can emulate this in their approach to lead and inspire others.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Child and teen safety risk arises when companion chatbots mimic human emotions and intentions.
    Muhamad Aly Rifai, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Tahiliani staged a brief presentation with models in his latest designs — the most standout being a series of gowns with foam corsets that mimicked the human torso, draped with fabrics in the same color.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mime. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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