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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

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

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
Frank often mocked Gus’s improbable revelations, as when Gus swore a saint had appeared to him through his bedroom curtains one night. David McGrath, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026 But many other comments mocked the shop along with its presidential namesake, with a few detractors posting memes of tearful snowflakes topped with red MAGA hats. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The Panthers, according to many mock drafts, might spend their first-round pick in the draft later this month on a wide receiver. Alex Zietlow april 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026 These people were pranked by being given mock gifts or invited to fake parties. Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
The Steelers, incidentally, take a receiver in this mock — and there are lots of talented prospects at that spot, too. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Not sure why Woods fell so far in this particular mock, but doubling up on defensive tackle also would be intriguing here, even if that would mean not perfectly addressing each of the Chiefs’ immediate position needs. Jesse Newell, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • Many parodied her overt sexuality by swapping her out for someone decidedly less sexy on the wrecking ball.
    Ben Pettis, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Most recently, the song was parodied again in New York's 2025 mayoral race by candidate Andrew Cuomo's campaign.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 2017 Kusama show was also ridiculed in some corners.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • It was ridiculed in many quarters for doing so.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Nikolas Hart, 25, with six counts, including felony animal cruelty and misdemeanors related to allegations of domestic violence, witness tampering and disobeying a court order.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • He was arraigned Monday and pleaded not guilty to one felony count of animal cruelty, one misdemeanor charge each of injury to a spouse or cohabitant and attempting to dissuade a victim or witness, and three counts of disobeying a court order to not contact the victim.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Starter Kyle Freeland was nails, and Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak both slipped on the celebratory purple faux fur coat after launching home runs.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
  • This pair in particular reminds me of a style Anne Hathaway stepped out in with its black faux-leather exterior and silver bit hardware.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Security company Trend Micro has documented that actors who’ve worked on past operations benefiting the North Korean government have used these addresses, particularly in scams involving fake recruiters.
    Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Faces of Death isn’t a remake of the infamous 1978 exploitation landmark, a faux documentary that positioned itself as an anthology of actual carnage (though much of its disturbing footage was fake).
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Horner seemed calm and articulate and also made inappropriate jokes during the interview, Espinoza said.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Yet, the three — even Cavallari and Conrad, who were pitted against each other in the 2000s — were warm and chummy, cracking jokes and enthusiastically agreeing with one another.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Martinez added that the amendment is not needed, as officials with the Maryland Department of Health say that original copies are already kept at the state level when there are changes made to those documents.
    Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 8 Apr. 2026
  • See our top athletes from the 2025-26 boys swimming season, and print your own copy of the PDF below.
    Boston Herald staff, Boston Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The installation is a winking reference to the Turing test, the 1950 thought experiment about whether a machine can credibly imitate a person.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Each of the wounded imitated the pain and symptoms of an injury that could happen on the battlefield.
    Chelsea Torres, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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