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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 Whoopi Goldberg War Room™ has received operational support from ally Joy Behar, as the pair teamed up to mock The View producer Brian Teta live on air on Tuesday. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025 In an interview with CNN, D’Agostino described being forced to sit or kneel on concrete in front of an Israeli flag for hours at a time, being left in cold temperatures with little clothing, having his belongings seized, mocked and destroyed and having his wrists bound tightly. Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Fake blood and mock deaths have been part Gwar’s act for decades. Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2025 The 69-year-old momager posed in a mock neck pullover and matching leggings wearing the season’s trending shade while giving a masterclass in monochromatic dressing. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
This fantasy football mock draft will be completed on ESPN in a 12-team, PPR, 1QB format. 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Pick 5 While the 5th pick is right next to pick six, this mock draft had much different results. Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 This is why Dijon’s language works best as sound, not narrative—his rangy, raspy voice seethes and triumphs, mocks and threatens; there’s no world in which his polygonal perspective can be discerned from a lyric sheet. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • Meta/Facebook has rolled out engaging bots, parodying famous personas such as Jane Austen; Snapchat has offered a chatbot to individual users.
    John Wihbey, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
  • By parodying the spectacle that once defined him, James cleverly reclaims the narrative, turning an infamous moment into a savvy branding opportunity.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The show opened with a skit mocking Hegseth, portrayed by comedian Colin Jost, ridiculing the Defense Secretary's address to military leaders in Quantico, Virginia, last week.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
  • She was ridiculed in online forums and on at least one radio show, and dismissed by a Michigan State Police dispatcher who likely didn't even send out a patrol car.
    NEAL RUBIN, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Under military law, service members are obligated to obey lawful orders, but to disobey unlawful orders.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Washington made the move over Petro’s participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York City, as well as his call for US troops deployed in American cities to disobey orders.
    Semafor Events, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Once all is shrieked and done, though, what’s left is a faux-prestige screed that’s 100 percent #OhHellNo!
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Featuring a faux wrap neckline and a deep V-neck design, the sweater is sophisticated and polished enough for date nights, after-work cocktails, parties, and more.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Methanol is an industrial chemical that can cause nerve and liver damage and is sometimes found in fake or poorly distilled alcohol.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Aside from games like volleyball and dominoes, Gach says some children stage fake ambushes on one another while pretending to be government forces or rebel fighters.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • According to The New York Times, Chappelle — who has been under fired for his transphobic jokes in the past — used his comedy set at the Riyadh Comedy Festival to speak about the lack of freedom of speech in the United States, especially in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s killing.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
  • People taking offense at jokes simply didn’t land as a news story anymore.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There are a dozen books in the main series as well as a three-book spin off series — counting all of them, the books have sold more than three million copies worldwide.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Over the summer, the DOJ asked the South Carolina Election Commission for copies of the state's voter registration list.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Watch the full collection of Survivor 49 players hilariously imitating Probst making fun of them during a challenge in the video at the top of the article.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Often imitated but never duplicated, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer continues to be a bestseller online, beloved by both salon owners and everyday users alike.
    Brittany Loggins, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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