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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
This creates a vicious cycle where shame is a currency, and the only person who actually pays a price is the one who is mocked. Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2025 Some are clearly ironic, but the line between blind devotion and mocking derision is seriously mangled. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Continue reading … KEEPS ON GIVING – Joe Rogan and Andrew Schulz mock Harris' claim of people calling her most qualified presidential candidate. FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Well, this mock neck zipped jacket is a far more flattering, wearable option that’s currently sporting a $20 price tag and a full range of sizes. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
Stewart also satirically brought up how clearly just the left mocks tragedy — and then showed clips including one of Donald Trump Jr. making fun of Paul Pelosi being bludgeoned by a hammer, as well as Fox News’ Paul Hegseth and Rachel Campos-Duffy doing the same. Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025 The hilarious results propel the new mock doc, which find Tufnel running a cheese shop, St. Hubbins piddling around his home studio and Smalls staffing a glue museum. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • This Halloween, the two-time Emmy Award-winning host is paying tribute to scary singles by parodying popular television dating shows of the past — and dressing as their male hosts.
    Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Newsom has been trying to raise his national profile, adopting a combative style that parodies Trump’s social media strategy with similar all-caps posts, memes and merchandise.
    Adriana Gomez Licon, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Claiming victimhood was a cop-out; those who made accusations of assault were ridiculed.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond this, there has been a significant amount of backlash on social media, as users have ridiculed the move by Austin.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Harvick said the agency gave lawful orders for the crowd to move back, which were disobeyed.
    Daniella Silva, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In Missouri, disobeying traffic lights is considered a moving violation.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Add texture to beds, couches, and chairs with a plush faux rabbit fur throw blanket, incorporate a pop of color with a throw pillow, and dress up your walls with practical floating shelves or sconces.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Few pieces of decor are as dreamy as the ones covered in faux fur, and this shaggy beanbag chair is no exception.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ryan Scully scored on a 44-yard fake punt and Ethan Polloreno returned an interception for a score.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, the Pack ran a laughably bad fake-kick play — on fourth-and-17, no less.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Dodgers manager Dave Roberts got in on the joke after his team captured the National League pennant for the fifth time in the past nine years.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Students embraced the joke, and before long, every game began with hundreds of tortillas soaring into the night sky as the whistle blew for kickoff.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With this imagery, a terrain map can be generated for use by urban planners, or a soldier can print a copy of an image and share it with foreign mission partners on the battlefield.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • But when Ronnie set the theater's copy of The Music Man in motion on the projector, Matty appeared on screen holding what looked like a baby swaddled in a blanket.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tribeca Festival Lisboa programmer Fabio Martins sees originality and emotional truth going further to help Portuguese filmmakers reach international audiences than imitating popular trends in global cinema.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Maybe that was just art-making imitating life.
    Thomas Page, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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