MIMIC Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mimic' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of mimic are ape , copy , imitate , and mock . While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation. // pupils mimicking their teacher

Q: Where would 'ape' be a reasonable alternative to 'mimic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mimic , 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 'mimic'?

The words copy and mimic can be used in similar contexts, but copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible. // copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

Q: When could 'imitate' be used to replace 'mimic'?

The meanings of imitate and mimic largely overlap; however, imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation. // imitate a poet's style

Q: In what contexts can 'mock' take the place of 'mimic'?

In some situations, the words mock and mimic are roughly equivalent. However, mock usually implies imitation with derision. // mocking a vain man's pompous manner

mimic 1 of 3

verb

Definition of mimic next

as in to imitate

to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of the comedian was famous for mimicking the President's distinctive lisp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to emulate

to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior began to learn their language by mimicking the sounds they made

Synonyms & Similar Words

mimic

2 of 3

adjective

as in simulated

being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials police were concerned that the mimic gun, although intended only as a toy, might be confused with the real thing in certain situations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in imitative

using or marked by the use of something else as a basis or model a mimic battle fought by kids playing around in the schoolyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mimic

3 of 3

noun

ˈmi-mik

as in imitator

a person who imitates another's voice and mannerisms for comic effect a gifted mimic who can do a terrific imitation of anyone's voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in mime

an actor in a story performed silently and entirely by body movements a mimic in black clothes and white facial makeup

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mimic distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of mimic are ape, copy, imitate, and mock. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

Where would ape be a reasonable alternative to mimic?

While in some cases nearly identical to mimic, 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 mimic?

The words copy and mimic can be used in similar contexts, but copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

When could imitate be used to replace mimic?

The meanings of imitate and mimic largely overlap; however, imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

In what contexts can mock take the place of mimic?

In some situations, the words mock and mimic are roughly equivalent. 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 mimic

Verb

Giving a heightened sense of drama to the occasion, the 18-year-old marked the goal by mimicking Haaland’s celebration – sitting cross-legged and closing his eyes as if meditating. —

George Ramsay, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025 Jojoba oil: This mimics the hairs natural oils in scalp, to help nourish. —

Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025

Adjective

For most of the world, the virus went its way, mutating cleverly, with the weird mimic intelligence of microorganisms. —

Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 Or a cautionary tale, a mimic man whom Western letters seduced, then rejected and disgraced? —

Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023

Noun

Armstrong won’t be a Chester mimic, but there are points in her range that ring familiar. —

Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2024 Some researchers find that red light therapy, for example, is a hormesis mimic that could help heal the body. —

Matt Fuchs, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mimic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mimic

Verb

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