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
The Difference Between Names And Dynamics Richard Feynman recalled being mocked by another child for not knowing a bird’s name. — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Gaetz also appeared to mock the women on the social platform X, sharing a 2018 social media photo of the backs of three women in bathing suits looking at the ocean in the Bahamas. — Ed White, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Carson and Guillermo stepped onto the dance floor with sunglasses and A-list celebrity swagger as flashes from mock photographers filled the introduction. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026 In another thread, Strong’s Zuckerberg twitches with irritation through mock congressional hearings, with a PR team headed by crisis management specialist Raya (Wunmi Mosaku), whose task is to make the Facebook CEO likable. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 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
  • The couple was so famous that they were often parodied by TV comedians for their lavish lifestyle and Tammy Faye’s abundant makeup.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The couple was so famous that they were often parodied by TV comedians for their lavish lifestyle and Tammy Faye's abundant makeup.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Cruz has ridiculed Talarico’s past comments on Christianity and immigration, saying the would be more fitting for Berkeley, California, than Texas.
    — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Reportedly, William is willing to speak to Harry because things have reached a point where they’re being ridiculed for the standoff.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The league fails to react to any of the players who disobey the rules.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Smith was charged with disobeying an officer, a misdemeanor, according to Placer Superior Court records.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Her nose was also dotted with the faux freckles that were scattered across the bridge.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Zebra tablecloths and napkins completed the safari theme, and the walls were decorated with faux magazine covers of Bradfield and his partner, auctioneer William Featherby.
    — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In episode 4, Noah made up an elaborate ruse involving a fake friend’s wedding in Napa — a means of getting Joanne to wine country for a romantic weekend.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The two fans came with their own props even though fake mustaches were given to fans at the entry gates.
    — Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Its frothy, pastel hues and single moment of contrived levity (when one dance claims a trumpet solo for a joke about jamming her toe) is one of those quintessential examples of Balanchine’s repertoire showing its age.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • And the Longhorns’ quarterback, Arch Manning, was the butt of the joke.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Junior finance candidates at GoCardless used to be given a data set and a copy of Excel as part of the final round of testing.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Officials hadn’t been served with a copy of the complaint as of Thursday afternoon.
    — Russell Lissau, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than simply imitating the brain with silicon chips, the approach uses actual neurons to perform computational work.
    — Mike McRae October 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Others could imitate but never replicate; their coolness was predicated on their originality.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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