1
as in imitating
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of
the comedian was famous for mimicking the President's distinctive lisp
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2
as in emulating
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior
began to learn their language by mimicking the sounds they made
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Recent Examples of mimicking
Karla Gachet, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
In a speech on the subject on the Senate floor in August, the senator was flanked by a placard with images of hemp products in packages mimicking snacks such as Doritos and Oreos.
—Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
These sensors changed the circuit’s electrical properties in response, mimicking how real neurons adjust their behavior based on chemical signals in their environment; a process known as neuromodulation.
—New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025
The team, based mainly at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, devised a method to remove the extra chromosomes by mimicking natural cell division in a way that causes one set of 23 to be discarded, leaving a functional egg cell.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Those who have observed Jayden Daniels’ arc, for example, swear his use of virtual-reality systems — mimicking game speed without the pressure of results — help his split-second decision-making.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Those cuts wound up mimicking what a diamond looks in its natural state.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Historically, security at ICE facilities has been about protecting agents and detainees from internal threats like detainee aggression, or gang violence, mimicking the criminal justice system, according to experts, ICE detentions standards and the detainee handbook.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Another popular celebration after a touchdown is for the back or receiver to lean at the goal line, mimicking a sprinter leaning at the tape.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
The musical instruments of this region are crafted from the earth, mimicking birds that fly along the banks of rivers, the sound of rain or the beating of a heart.
—Karla Gachet, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
In a speech on the subject on the Senate floor in August, the senator was flanked by a placard with images of hemp products in packages mimicking snacks such as Doritos and Oreos.
—Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
These sensors changed the circuit’s electrical properties in response, mimicking how real neurons adjust their behavior based on chemical signals in their environment; a process known as neuromodulation.
—New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025
The team, based mainly at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, devised a method to remove the extra chromosomes by mimicking natural cell division in a way that causes one set of 23 to be discarded, leaving a functional egg cell.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Those who have observed Jayden Daniels’ arc, for example, swear his use of virtual-reality systems — mimicking game speed without the pressure of results — help his split-second decision-making.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Those cuts wound up mimicking what a diamond looks in its natural state.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Historically, security at ICE facilities has been about protecting agents and detainees from internal threats like detainee aggression, or gang violence, mimicking the criminal justice system, according to experts, ICE detentions standards and the detainee handbook.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Another popular celebration after a touchdown is for the back or receiver to lean at the goal line, mimicking a sprinter leaning at the tape.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mimicking
Verb
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Only one case has resulted in federal charges for imitating an officer – another break from the past four administrations, when roughly half of the ICE-imposter cases were charged under federal statutes.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
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The fact that these programs are becoming adept at imitating consciousness, however, may be all that matters for now.—
Webb Wright,
The Atlantic,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The project is a continuation of the team’s cooperative filmmaking model, emulating Lugacy’s previous feature film, the Independent Spirit Award nominated This Is Not A War Story which was acquired by Warner OneFifty for HBO Max.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
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The shooter also posted content emulating the Columbine High School shooters, who killed 14 people in 1999.—
Deon J. Hampton,
NBC news,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jane's chimp imitation was an easy choice to hook the average, even mildly interested, reader.—
Ron Arias,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
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But Swift’s work with Jack Antonoff slipped into a too-reliable throwback synth-pop aesthetic that doesn’t feel fresh after years of iterations and imitations.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Katie Couric is parodying Sydney Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle jeans ad for a good cause.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
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What To Know The Democratic governor of California has recently taken on a new strategy to oppose Trump—parodying the president's brash social media style to mock him.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Pet owner Saige shared an adorable clip on TikTok (@saigescho) showing her white rescue kitten, Maude, copying the antics of her long-haired chihuahua, Alfie.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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My translation is not copying but an artistic act.—
Robert Minhinnick,
The Dial,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The app also uses watermarks and bans likeness impersonation.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
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She was arrested and charged with several offenses including kidnapping and impersonation of an officer.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Last week, at the Glasgow stop of her Infinity Heart tour, Siwa unexpectedly ejected two fans from the show over a hoodie that featured Siwa photoshopped onto an egg, an image that appeared to be mocking her hairline.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Oct. 2025
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Following the ruling, Newsom’s press office sent a mocking reply Abbott’s way.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even though Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to give Amorim a full season, and losing to Sunderland was not regarded as terminal, doing so would have brought immense pressure.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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Hi hi hello, how is everyone doing on this lovely Sunday?—
Rosalind Bowling,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mimicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mimicking. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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