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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
One side feels mocking people and calling names is OK and not creating hate. Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026 Caitlin Clark left a comment on the Indiana Fever's recent social media post, appearing to mock a poor AI image generation. Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Adjective
For something more unique, opt for this mock-neck pullover. Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026 The mock neck elevates the entire look, making the sweatshirt look smart rather than sloppy, unlike an average hoodie. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 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
  • Influencer comedians like Madison Humphrey and Mitsy Sanderson have built large platforms parodying awkward moments.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Heidecker — the mind behind projects including The Tim and Eric Show and On Cinema — has been parodying Jones for years.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And while that move was ridiculed across baseball at the time, another decision Turner made — far more consequential but no less revolutionary — put his franchise on a trajectory to become one of the most popular in the sport.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 May 2026
  • On Thursday, though, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – who is leading negotiations for Tehran and has emerged as the key voice of the Iranian government – ridiculed the notion of blockading Iran, pointing to the country’s extensive land and maritime borders.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • However, all of the city’s fire stations seemingly disobeyed the mayor by lowering their flags.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Trump had to relent on a scheme to prosecute Fed Chair Jerome Powell for disobeying White House commands to cut interest rates.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The former Sidos space has been transformed into a restaurant with neon signs, faux greenery, tapestries depicting temples and spiral light fixtures.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2026
  • The production is staged in the faux Pantages Theater in the Hollywood section of the theme park, near Mel’s Drive-In restaurant.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ferro was arrested in May 2025 and found in possession of two firearms and a fake ID.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • One tweet features an AI cover of a fake Slayr album called BURGERMAN that imagines him as a half-burger, half-human hybrid engulfed in a hellish flood of grease and cheese splatter.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The charm offensive was benefited Rubio peppering in a number of jokes during his hourlong appearance.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
  • Thor is now a circus clown — not even a funny one at that — relegated to being the butt of Star-Lord's unfunny jokes and the least-serious Avenger.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • That sort of flamboyant overstatement became central to Turner’s personal brand—and made for irresistible copy in the dailies.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
  • In the second lab, the DNA is frozen until scientists make millions of copies so genetic sequencers can spell out all three billion letters of the embryo's genetic sequence.
    Rob Stein, NPR, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Once established, oaks can grow moderately fast if kept watered and then mulched with compost to eliminate competition and imitate forest conditions.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
  • Those cells are highly responsive to mechanical stress—the reason weight-bearing exercise strengthens the skeleton—and the device is designed to imitate that signal through subtle vibration.
    Alice Gregory, Vogue, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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