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Definition of mocknext
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mock

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adjective

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mock

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mock distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of mock are ape, copy, imitate, and mimic. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," mock usually implies imitation with derision.

mocking a vain man's pompous manner

When is ape a more appropriate choice than mock?

The synonyms ape and mock are sometimes interchangeable, but ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

When would copy be a good substitute for mock?

While the synonyms copy and mock are close in meaning, copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

Where would imitate be a reasonable alternative to mock?

Although the words imitate and mock have much in common, imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When is it sensible to use mimic instead of mock?

While in some cases nearly identical to mock, mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

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 mock
Verb
The group openly mocks Jesus Christ and many Christian and Catholic traditions. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026 Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is demanding all copies of Unethical Hoops, a new Operation-style board game that mocks his foul-drawing reputation, be destroyed. Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Adjective
Reach for an elevated style—like a halter top or mock-neck tank—and style it with your chicest pencil skirt in a lightweight material for summer. Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 27 May 2026 Scherzinger, 47, wore a long-sleeve red latex mock-neck jumpsuit. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
Noun
This list is organized by position and also includes players who have appeared in our mock drafts and Brugler’s seven-round mock. Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026 For all his royal status, Hamlet is a figure of resistance, who targets, mocks, humiliates, and ultimately kills a king. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • Probably one of the most meaningful moments for Faris, in a movie that will parody COVID and January 6, was reunited with Hall.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 2 June 2026
  • And while the looksmaxxing community—its most recognizable figure being the 20-year-old streamer Clavicular—remains as easy to parody as Zoolander’s signature smolder, Brandon Palas recognized this growing interest in male beauty even earlier, and saw within it an opportunity.
    Chop Choppish Shop, Air Mail, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • Critics were quick to ridicule the new hire.
    Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 29 May 2026
  • When Pete Buttigieg floated a 15-member Supreme Court during his 2020 presidential campaign, for example, he was properly ridiculed by institutionalists.
    Washington Post Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Icarus disobeying his father Daedalus and flying too close to the sun.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • He was cited with disobeying a traffic control device, not having proof of insurance and obstructing a police officer.
    Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 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
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
Noun
  • Deborah and Ava have never been closer — and that’s when the jokes start flying.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 May 2026
  • And because Bargatze is usually the butt of his own jokes, his mix of aw-shucks relatability and self-deprecation goes down nice and easy.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 May 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
Verb
  • In a case of life imitating art, this whodunnit explores the investigation behind her disappearance, strangely resembling one of Christie’s own novels, where everyone in her life becomes a suspect, including her brother, Monty (Trevena).
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 June 2026
  • Naturalistic plantings like these use large swaths of the same plants to imitate a natural setting.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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