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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
Aside from beating the stuffing out of a life-sized penguin plushie, Gritty has mocked — and stalked — the team's fans. Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 But her desperation seems exposed at Cupertino, too, where Little Tim mocks her for her dim suggestion that psychotherapists be deployed to the company’s Guangzhou factory to cool down a labor crisis. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 Apr. 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
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 That led head coach Sean Payton to describe the wait as Barron fell through the teens toward them and, well, to mock the mocks. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 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
  • 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
  • DeSantis has ridiculed Jeffries’ threat, including on Thursday.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 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
  • On Thursday, before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Kimmel poked fun at the event on his late night show, sharing faux remarks for his own dinner.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2026
  • As for less-invasive bedroom ceiling upgrade options, Cunningham recommends faux beams, tongue-and-groove ceilings, limewash paint, or simple medallions around light fixtures.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Artificial Plants Designer Ashley Hauza says a fake ficus tree on a porch isn't going to fool anyone.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 1 May 2026
  • Horrified that there was no way to ensure the images hadn’t left his computer and no path to stop the man from continuing to generate fake nudes, the women joined Maye Quade in advancing the law to shut down the problem at its source.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • As the Ado Annie-like Betsy, a horny teen-ager whose father owns a shotgun, Kurtz is playing a character who should be, and kind of is, a one-joke punch line.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Complaints about hospital food are certainly not new, and Jell-O and fruit juice are often the butt of related jokes.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Knapp’s wife, Grace Knapp, was presented with a copy of the commemorative street sign.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • There was a stack of six advanced reader copies of my own book.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Streep imitated how Hawn, 80, would arrive on set, always apologetic.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
  • Speaking in Ormond Beach, DeSantis took aim at Jeffries’ recent warnings to Florida Republicans over redistricting, appearing to use African-American vernacular to imitate the Brooklyn lawmaker, who in 2023 became the first Black politician to lead a major party in Congress.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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