ape 1 of 3

Definition of apenext
as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior was caught aping the substitute teacher's thick accent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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ape

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adjective

ape

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ape distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ape are copy, imitate, mimic, and mock. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

When is it sensible to use copy instead of ape?

The words copy and ape 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

Where would imitate be a reasonable alternative to ape?

Although the words imitate and ape have much in common, imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When might mimic be a better fit than ape?

The words mimic and ape are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 ape?

While the synonyms mock and ape are close in meaning, 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 ape
Verb
But if getting Andy back in the Runway fold feels a lot like getting her into it in the first film, that feeling will only persist, as the sequel apes the original feature nearly beat for beat, with some small swaps here and there. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026 There’s a word for this type of storytelling, and Taccone deserves credit for delivering a superior version of this without outright aping its most famous practitioner. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
The show was cancelled after that season, when Barr posted a tweet comparing Barack Obama's former adviser Valerie Jarrett to an ape. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 The tasks will gradually reveal various ape facts as well as tip guests to the zoo’s conservation efforts. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ape
Verb
  • Here was a government that had explicitly borrowed from Beijing’s developmental playbook and sincerely attempted to imitate it, but failed.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists that imitate a natural hormone in the gut.
    Stephanie Stephens, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • This phase will include adding additional power generation, solar and nuclear, deploying upgraded lunar rovers and potentially drones, expanding communication networks, and delivering up to 60 tons of cargo to the lunar surface.
    Briana Alvarado, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • The parliamentary media center noted that the parts cut out of the Tuesday night broadcast included discussion of United Nations nuclear inspections, the country's frozen financial assets, and a $300 billion reconstruction fund.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Much like how the Supreme collection adds Salem’s subterranean style to the closets of Depop posers, Red Dragon functions as a gallery of their rarest music for newcomers to gaze upon.
    Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 21 May 2026
  • Get paid, hang out like the rest of these posers.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • That the officiant would be a giant anthropoid jar of mayo named Manny Mayo was actually too good to be true.
    Heather Schroering, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025
  • By never breaking the anthropoid conceit — keeping Williams a chimp from working-class childhood obscurity to adult pop-stardom — Better Man evolves into the most honest and exploratory showbiz movie ever made.
    Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Outfits such as The Bespoke Retreat Company, The Nest in Cornwall and Wales’ Coach House Retreat have emulated the solo aspect.
    Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026
  • The driveway boys emulated everybody on those rosters.
    Jason Kirk, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • When the Spurs locked down Brunson, or tried, the ball went elsewhere, zinging around the court, from player to player, as if in a berserk video game.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
  • The New York Knicks' historic comeback against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday ignited celebration as well as chaos outside Madison Square Garden as some fans went berserk, prompting dozens of arrests.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • But the arrival of Buc-ee's supercharged the trend and spawned imitators like Wally's, which has three 50,000-square-foot locations in the Midwest, with plans for more.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • The frontier labs keep shipping the next capability while the imitators are still training on the last one, and the value keeps accruing to whoever is ahead rather than to whoever copied the leader's previous answers.
    Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Rabies is often found in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected.
    Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Hence, bright lights and sprays of water will make skunks want to flee your yard.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ape. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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