mimic

1 of 3

verb

mim·​ic ˈmi-mik 

mimicked ˈmi-mikt  ; mimicking

transitive verb

1

: to imitate closely : ape

He mimicked her accent.

2

: to ridicule by imitation

The comic mimicked the president's mannerisms.

3

: simulate

… vegetable dishes that mimic meat.

—Caroline Bates

4

: to resemble by biological mimicry

a butterfly that mimics a leaf

mimic

2 of 3

noun

1

: one that mimics

2

: mime sense 2

She's a talented mimic.

mimic

3 of 3

adjective

1

a

: imitative

b

: imitation, mock sense 2

a mimic battle

2

: of or relating to mime or mimicry

Synonyms of mimic

Verb

• imitate
• parody
• mock
• do

Noun

• imitator
• performer
• personator
• actor
• impressionist
• impersonator
• entertainer

Adjective

• simulated
• synthetic
• faux
• artificial
• fake
• imitation
• dummy
• mock
• imitative

Choose the Right Synonym for mimic

copy, imitate, mimic, ape, mock mean to make something so that it resembles an existing thing.

copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

ape may suggest presumptuous, unoriginal, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

mock usually implies imitation with derision.

mocking a vain man's pompous manner

Examples of mimic in a Sentence

Verb

The lamp mimics natural sunlight.

a butterfly that mimics a leaf

Noun

a gifted mimic who can do a terrific imitation of anyone's voice

a mimic in black clothes and white facial makeup

Adjective

police were concerned that the mimic gun, although intended only as a toy, might be confused with the real thing in certain situations

a mimic battle fought by kids playing around in the schoolyard

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Saltwater sensor mimics sensory cells Unlike conventional touch sensors, which detect pressure and produce electronic signals through different mechanisms, the new device attempts to replicate a fundamental process in biological sensory cells. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

The allied soldiers performed well in a scenario that mimicked previous conflicts with limited air threats, but their systems were not designed for the large drone swarms of modern combat. — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026

Noun

Made from porous nickel pyrophosphate (Ni2P2O7), an advanced nanomaterial, the memristor senses humidity and mimics functions associated with biological memory. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

The latter line, in its phrasing and melody and even the musical tone of its words, is an almost perfect mimic of Santa Claus asking Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to guide his sleigh. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Verb, and Noun

Latin mimicus, from Greek mimikos, from mimos mime

First Known Use

Verb

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for mimic

• gimmick
• thymic
• bulimic
• metonymic
• patronymic

Kids Definition

mimic

1 of 3 noun

mim·​ic ˈmim-ik 

1

: mime entry 1 sense 1

2

: one that mimics

mimic

2 of 3 adjective

1

: imitative sense 2

2

: imitation entry 2, mock

mimic

3 of 3 verb

mimicked ˈmim-ikt  ; mimicking

1

: to imitate closely

2

: to make fun of by imitating

3

: to resemble by biological mimicry

an insect that mimics a leaf

Medical Definition

mimic

1 of 2 noun

mim·​ic ˈmim-ik 

: one that mimics

a mimic of a naturally occurring hormone

mimic

2 of 2 transitive verb

mimicked -ikt  ; mimicking

: to imitate or resemble closely: as

a

: to imitate the symptoms of

an acute inflammatory process located in the ileocecal region mimics acute appendicitis

—Merck Manual

b

: to produce an effect and especially a physiological effect similar to

chemically unrelated to the hormone that it mimics

—Chemical & Engineering News