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
Florida State coach Mike Norvell, hailed for building a behemoth through the portal in 2023, is now never-endingly mocked by rivals. Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 Hilton was quickly mocked, with online commenters pointing out that authentic Mexican street tacos are served in soft tortillas, cooked up by street vendors, and that the hard-shell varieties found in a fast-food chain do not count as the real deal. Linh Tat, Daily News, 15 July 2026
Adjective
The mock Tudor building where it’s housed today was built in 1924 from the timbers of two ancient battleships. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 This new design makes the throwback style feel more approachable and much more modern, thanks to its fully smocked, stretchy bodice and chic mock neckline. Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Noun
That said, 18 of the 32 players in last year’s early mock were drafted in the first three rounds last week, including 12 in the first round. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 So instead, Kimmel presented his own schtick, appearing on a mock set at the Washington Hilton with clips of the president and others in the crowd, some looking none too happy. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • In Mel Brooks’ parody fashion, the Spaceballs team parodied Marvel’s Hall H panels with an expansive Spaceballs Cinematic Universe, stretching across 180-degree screens in the room.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Maury Povich is looking back on being parodied by Jim Carrey on In Living Color.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • That, coupled with the fear of being ridiculed, may do the trick.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
  • Pfister taunted them as his wife ridiculed them for trying to cover their windows.
    Kyung Lah, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Circe, too, disobeys the code, turning Odysseus’ men into pigs.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Ulysses expresses sorrowful regret for having disobeyed Zeus’ Law – essentially the Golden Rule – in sacking Troy.
    Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • The earrings create a faux huggie effect by rounding and curving upward at the bottom.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • Below it, there’s a wide concave base with a drainage hole that’s ideal for faux flowers, real flowers, or decorative rocks.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Multiple schools are at the center of incidents in which teens are facing legal consequences for generating fake explicit images of their classmates.
    Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Gen Alphas seem to know almost immediately when something is fake, overproduced, delayed or culturally disconnected, which is why the strongest content right now often feels chaotic.
    Kelly Samuel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • But Roth’s it’s-all-a-big-joke attitude here is a cop-out that’s beneath him, a way to avoid making a horror movie that truly engages us.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Write the honest sentence, take the quiet walk, and tell the truth without decorating it for comfort or turning it into a joke today.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Fort Worth police did not immediately provide copies of affidavits supporting the suspects’ arrests.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • Because if those questions — including the fundamental one — aren't being answered, better copy probably isn't the fix.
    Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Rather than chasing architectural trends or attempting to imitate newer competitors, the Rose Bowl has embraced a strategy rooted in financial discipline, adaptive reuse and authentic placemaking.
    Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Vegan versions come from sources like ginseng, seaweed, rice or rose and are created through biotechnology to imitate rather than replicate the original molecule.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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