MOCK Synonyms: 355 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mock 1 of 3

verb

ˈmäk

Definition of mock next

as in to parody

to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of team members good-naturedly mocked the coach's familiar bellow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to ridicule

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter the fashion gurus loved to mock the famous couple for their unsophisticated clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to disobey

to go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of a person willing to mock the religious prohibition against working on the Sabbath

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mock

2 of 3

adjective

as in faux

being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials mock turtle soup

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fake

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality since I had inadvertently learned what I was getting, I opened the present with mock surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mock

3 of 3

noun

as in joke

a person or thing that is made fun of they made a mock of the new recruit in front of the whole unit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in copy

something that is made to look exactly like something else obviously, the "priceless" Grecian urn that is destroyed in the movie was a mock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

While the critics howled during that 1-15 season in 1989, Johnson and even his assistants maintained their cockiness and mocked the criticism. —

Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026 And he is often mocked as a talented player who shrinks in the big playoff moments. —

Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026

Adjective

The side-slit up the thigh allows for full freedom of movement and a flirty touch, which is nicely balanced out by the mock neck and long-sleeve design. —

Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026 There was also a mock trial where officers became witnesses. —

Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Noun

The film pivots from wry mock-doc to straightforward slasher in its second half, but its wit remains sharper than the farm equipment Leslie uses to dispatch his victims. —

Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025 Nick Baumgardner shared his early 2026 mock draft, which has Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 1, with the Saints using No. 2 on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. —

Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock

Verb

The scene came in a fictional segment parodying Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead in which Maggie defends her architectural talents after her daycare teacher punishes her for making beautiful structures from building blocks.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Dec. 2025
Grande, who has been featured as a musical guest twice (once as part of her double-duty in 2016), sang, parodied and disappeared into characters all through the night, flexing her skillset as a host who’s game to try on costumes no matter how ridiculous, impressions no matter how far-fetched.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2025

Definition of parody

Browse Nearby Words

moccasins

mock

mocked

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 16 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of mock

verb

adjective

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on mock

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

ephemeral

Popular in Grammar & Usage

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

‘Fascism’: The Word’s Meaning and History

Ten Kinds of Happiness

The Words of the Week - Jan. 16

Word of the Year 2025 | Slop

Popular

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

‘Fascism’: The Word’s Meaning and History

Games & Quizzes