Synonym Chooser

How is the word imitate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imitate are ape, copy, mimic, and mock. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When is ape a more appropriate choice than imitate?

The words ape and imitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

Where would copy be a reasonable alternative to imitate?

The synonyms copy and imitate are sometimes interchangeable, but copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

When is it sensible to use mimic instead of imitate?

The words mimic and imitate can be used in similar contexts, but mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

When could mock be used to replace imitate?

The meanings of mock and imitate largely overlap; however, mock usually implies imitation with derision.

mocking a vain man's pompous manner

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 imitate These sites are designed to trick you into downloading malicious software by imitating legitimate discussions and file-sharing services. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025 For example, a light lavender lining peeks out from underneath the tool of the Rapunzel dress, which can be paired with a long, dramatic boa to imitate her lustrous mane. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Between the lines: The BRT experience aims to imitate the experience of a subway or train. Andrew King, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025 Renaissance architects were not meant to copy nature; their real business was to imitate ancient architecture. Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitate
Verb
  • His approach was to emulate the spirit of i-D Magazine and its founder Terry Jones, who set up the title in 1980.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
  • So, does this mean his approach is worth emulating in corporate life?
    Greg Orme, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Compared to 2005, when Green said the writers struggled to source toys or prove to their lawyers that something existed to parody, the rise of YouTube and social media means nothing stays niche anymore.
    Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The staple segment offers a satirical take on the news and often parodies current events with a sense of sarcasm and deadpan humor that fans have come to know and love.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This material is not to be reproduced or redistributed absent the written consent of Fairlead Strategies.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The graphic, mod-looking wallpaper is a pattern dating from 1810 and reproduced by Adelphi Paper Hangings.
    Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Simian virus 40 normally lives in wild rhesus monkeys — and in biology labs, where researchers have used it to study how DNA gets transcribed and copied.
    Kiona N. Smith, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Along with several recent controversies, Meghan Markle is now being accused of copying Pamela Anderson's cooking show with her upcoming lifestyle series.
    Brie Stimson, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Cuba’s foreign minister mocked NED on social media.
    Peter Roskam, National Review, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Musk also mocked people who criticized the order on X, noting that workers could respond by asking an AI chatbot — such as Grok, owned by X — to create a list of accomplished tasks.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This is the allure of an uncomplicated love, a dynamic that artificial companions seem poised to replicate.
    Silvia Park, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Focus On Replicating Human Problem-Solving Methods ​To combat AI bias, companies should focus on training AI systems to understand and replicate human problem-solving methods.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Cybercriminals have adopted machine learning and AI to revolutionize their tactics, employing tools that automate reconnaissance, craft hyper-realistic phishing emails and mimic trusted voices or identities.
    Jeremy Dodson, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Cows, sheep, and other livestock are allowed to roam freely in pastures that mimic natural environments.5 This is believed to be healthier for the animals and produce more nutrient-dense meat and milk.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, LD, Health, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Brown revealed her new platinum blonde ‘do at the start of the month, before giving her locks their red carpet debut at Sunday’s 2025 SAG Awards.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Historic Fed Takeover Attempts Before getting into what presidents have done, start with the 1913 creation of the Federal Reserve by Congress through the Federal Reserve Act.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitate. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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