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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
During the jail call in question, Thug mocked Glo’s looks for being compared to Rihanna. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025 The episode also mocked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigrations and Custom Enforcement. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
During the 2024 presidential election, Velasco hosted a mock election with his classes serving as the electoral college, and the number of electoral votes allocated to each class was proportional to its size. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Drones provided real-time aerial views of the mock protests, while mobile command posts allowed leaders from different agencies to track the action simultaneously and direct units on the ground. Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
Most of the latest mock drafts have McNeeley going anywhere from pick No. 15 to No. 19. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025 The mocks: He’s projected to go in the fourth round/136th overall by ESPN’s Reid; in the fourth round (105th) by Brugler; and in the sixth round (209th) by NFL.com’s Reuter. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • That has included Newsom ramping up his social media presence, frequently parodying Trump with the all-caps statements that the president uses, as well as launching a merchandise shop that features many of the slogans Trump has on his signature hats, only with Newsom’s name swapped in.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Michaels confirmed that one cast member won't be going anywhere: James Austin Johnson will continue parodying President Trump.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • His sophomore slump was ridiculed as his completion percentage dropped and his interception percentage rose.
    Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Wednesday ridicules Pugsley for making a zombie.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hamas has called on residents of Gaza City to disobey the evacuation order.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Fischer faces charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, reckless driving, disobeying traffic control signals, failure to drive in the proper lane, disobeying the signal of an officer, failure to display plates and engaging police in a pursuit.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There are so many fun home decor in Pottery Barn’s clearance section for less than $50, including candle holders, faux plants, and even (some) bedding.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Particular standouts are a walnut and parchment media console, faux-fur pouf ottomans with an angular chrome base, a unique performance velvet sectional, and a particularly striking set of dining chairs.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Colbert made several jokes about needing a job and even brought a fake resume with a youthful headshot of himself.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Nepalese government, citing concerns over fake accounts, hate speech, disinformation and fraud, said the measures were to ensure accountability and make operators responsible for content on their platforms.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Though the movie is accessible to new fans, there are plenty of winks and nods for diehards who can understand what might seem, to the uninitiated, like cheesy moments—a cringeworthy English rap verse, a scene parodying the product placement in K-dramas—as self-aware jokes.
    Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That means having to cut jokes that don't fit his do-no-harm MO.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That’s more than 500 equivalent copies from the period before, with more than 2,400 of those being pure sales.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Calligraphers like Mustapha produce sacred work, such as copies of the Quran, books of religious poetry, and amulets.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advanced adversaries are now using generative AI to construct deepfake biometrics, complete PII profiles with believable digital histories and even replicate consistent interaction patterns that imitate human behavior.
    Rohan Pinto, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In the image, the president is also backdropped by a city beach covered with fire and smoke, seemingly imitating an active war zone.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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