monkey 1 of 2

noun

ˈməŋ-kē How to pronounce monkey (audio)
Definition of monkeynext
1
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs I've got this monkey on my back, and going to detox is the only way to get it off

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in devil
an appealingly mischievous person come back here, you little monkey!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

monkey

2 of 2

verb

as in to ape

Related Words

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 monkey
Noun
Its name combines the calm associated with the moon and the playful curiosity of a monkey. — Emma Clapp, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 Other animals depicted in pinturas rupestres include armadillos, jaguars, and monkeys. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
With supply running low toward the end of most evenings, savvy bun fanatics don’t monkey around, routinely calling ahead to request an extra skillet of rolls set aside just for them. — Valerie Demicheva and Flora Chang, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 July 2021 But this experiment isn't about monkeying around—this a real security and safety hazard, the researchers point out in a new paper. — Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 31 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for monkey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monkey
  1. addiction
  2. devil
  3. ape
  4. dependence
  5. rascal
  6. parody
  7. brat
  8. mimic
Noun
  • The untimely death of Hayden Panettiere, a onetime child star who soared to fame while navigating addiction and postpartum depression in her adult life, came just months after the beloved actor described feeling ready to start over.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • They were engaged before Panettiere gave birth to their daughter, Kaya, in 2014, but their relationship ended in 2018 when Panettiere gave up custody of Kaya while struggling with postpartum depression and addiction.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of addiction
Noun
  • In January, Watts was a guest on actor Rainn Wilson’s podcast, where Watts played devil’s advocate to Wilson’s skeptic about casual use of mind-altering substances.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the movie, two mentors stand over each of his shoulders like an aproned angel and devil.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of devil
Verb
  • Critics and fanboy media thrashed Supergirl not just for its Guardians of the Galaxy touchstones, but also for aping Mad Max.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • The track apes the softly anthemic approach of U2, Coldplay, and the National—until all of that elegant uplift topples like an overly ambitious wedding cake.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Definition of ape
Noun
  • And every fraction of warming prevented now keeps mothers and children safer tomorrow, which means ending our dependence on fossil fuels, fast.
    — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Greater domestic production could also reduce US dependence on overseas suppliers for advanced battery materials.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependence
Noun
  • Even though the Feeneys have gotten more competitive under the junior Michel’s management, the rascal-on-the-field ethos of the original team still prevails.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Not even the curmudgeonly Melvin can bring himself to harm the little rascal.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Definition of rascal
Verb
  • The Onion, meanwhile, has set up its own Infowars webpage on its website, running videos of shows parodying Jones.
    — Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • These polyester fits have also been parodied in video skits, where comedians put on an all-over polyester print outfit, like a wolf T-shirt and galaxy pants, and parody the stereotypical nerdy kid.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • Chamberlain was a Navy brat from the Midwest, who left the service to become a hairdresser in Chicago but was drawn with an intense magnetism toward the School of the Art Institute.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Franklin had a reputation as one of the feistiest juniors in the country, a brat with a big ego and a big mouth.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of brat
Verb
  • The casting of Lavernhe and Lottin is particularly inspired, as the two performers bring an affect to these characters that mimics the story’s dynamic.
    — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Punk exploded in front of a handful of scared-to-death dirtsheet reporters who were out of their league, mimicking a helpless Tony Khan.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of mimic

Phrases Containing monkey

Browse Nearby Words

monk
monkey
monkey (around)
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Cite this Entry

“Monkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkey. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on monkey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monkey

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