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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Neither Fishback nor anyone else can build a future among a diverse population while mocking prayer. —

Steven Burg, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026 This self-mocking move may be just the prelude to a fuller jeans-guy renaissance, Heffernan suggested. —

Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Over the next two months, dozens if not hundreds of mock drafts will be published throughout the football stratosphere, with most analysts trying to project how the first round of the NFL Draft — set for Thursday night, April 23 — will play out. —

Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026 With a sophisticated mock-neck top and cropped wide-leg pants—complete with a drawstring and side pockets— this matching set is a must-have for your next trip. —

Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026

Noun

Pownall has become a master at surprise gifts for his wife, recently gifting her a present for every day of December leading up to Christmas — in his own mock, luxury Advent calendar. —

Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 Wiholl Mock-Neck Lounge Set Similar to Hudson’s turtleneck sweater, this Wiholl two-piece has a similar high collar, except the mock-neck won’t feel as suffocating or uncomfortable. —

Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock

Verb

Actors who have portrayed Jackson on screen include Nigel Gibbs in the TV series Monster (2022), and Eddie Murphy famously parodied Jackson on Saturday Night Live in 1984.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
The question was how to parody a movie in which the company itself played a pivotal part.

— Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of parody

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moccasins

mock

mocked

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Cite this Entry

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“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 28 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of mock

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