copycat 1 of 2

noun

ˈkä-pē-ˌkat How to pronounce copycat (audio)
Definition of copycatnext
as in imitator
a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way every rock singer who makes it big soon has a whole cluster of copycats

Synonyms & Similar Words

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copycat

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to copy
to make an exact likeness of asked her stylist to copycat a hairstyle from the magazine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior a performer who slavishly copycats another never rises to the level of true stardom

Synonyms & Similar 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 copycat
Noun
Billionaire Michael Saylor developed the playbook at his company, Strategy, which built a stockpile, exploded in value and spawned more than 200 copycats. — Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 His pizza is, indeed, extraordinary, particularly the spicy Star Luca with ricotta filling its points, which launched any number of copycats. — Connie Ogle june 30, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Verb
But factors including insurance coverage, pricing, copycat drugs and the development of new pills will ultimately determine how far the treatments will reach. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2025 Maybe don’t copycat Netflix so much, other streamers. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for copycat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copycat
  1. imitator
  2. copy
  3. imitate
  4. follower
  5. replicate
  6. emulate
  7. echo
  8. reproduce
Noun
  • Boards can adopt it, investors can ask for it, cities can condition incentives on it, and the companies with the best results have the most to gain from standards, because standards are how leaders get distinguished from imitators.
    — Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • That's the real test that will ultimately determine whether the Denza Z is a genuine rival or simply another very fast imitator.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
Definition of imitator
Verb
  • How to replicate her success without copying it Elliott says Diaz Albadan’s example is worth following.
    — Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 30 July 2026
  • Instead, some attack our business's fees, as though changing the subject somehow excuses copying another company's intellectual property.
    — Brian Taylor, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of copy
Verb
  • Rather than chasing architectural trends or attempting to imitate newer competitors, the Rose Bowl has embraced a strategy rooted in financial discipline, adaptive reuse and authentic placemaking.
    — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Vegan versions come from sources like ginseng, seaweed, rice or rose and are created through biotechnology to imitate rather than replicate the original molecule.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of imitate
Noun
  • His followers grew in numbers as did their intrigue about how to acquire said pints.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • That’s in addition to a main Underdog account with 341,000 followers.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of follower
Verb
  • In this context, replicating reputation management by political methods could prove perilous.
    — Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • There’s power in numbers, and the Hurricanes will be relying on their numbers to have a chance at replicating the kind of success that Bain and Mesidor had last season.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of replicate
Verb
  • Some people go through traumatic events and tend to either emulate the behavior later in life or avoid it and go in the opposite direction.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • There's also the company's TrueSpatial 3D tech which pairs with head tracking hardware to emulate the experience of hearing powerful speakers directing sound towards you across a wider soundstage for greater immersion.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2026
Definition of emulate
Noun
  • These reflect their echolocation calls away at an angle, rather than returning them, which can then cause bats to mistake this perpendicular echo pattern for open water or completely empty space.
    — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Diametrically across her on the opposite wall and in a disorienting symbiotic echo is a drawing of legendary football player Pelé.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026
Definition of echo
Verb
  • The fish eat invasive weeds but don’t reproduce, leading to annual fish stocking.
    — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • The method generates complex patterns that are difficult for classical systems to reproduce.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Definition of reproduce

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Cite this Entry

“Copycat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copycat. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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