1
as in to emulate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior
teenage musicians who imitate whichever rock stars are hot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to parody
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of
imitating someone's stutter and laughing at them is a cruel thing to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to reproduce
to make an exact likeness of
a second-rate artist who was notorious for imitating the works of other painters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imitate
The United States and others are imitating China in large part because China succeeded in a way that was unexpected.
—
Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
Moreover, these models can imitate individuals' or industries' writing styles and wording.
—Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This is how and why cinema could shatter the Aristotelian unities, resurrect orality in the age of literacy, and become the technological medium par excellence imitated by new mediums like video games and VR.
—Big Think, 8 Apr. 2025
At the end of the 19th century, the Second Industrial Revolution created a class of ultra-wealthy Americans who sought to imitate European royalty and their tradition of patronage.
—Joanna Dee Das, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imitate
Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
Moreover, these models can imitate individuals' or industries' writing styles and wording.
—Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This is how and why cinema could shatter the Aristotelian unities, resurrect orality in the age of literacy, and become the technological medium par excellence imitated by new mediums like video games and VR.
—Big Think, 8 Apr. 2025
At the end of the 19th century, the Second Industrial Revolution created a class of ultra-wealthy Americans who sought to imitate European royalty and their tradition of patronage.
—Joanna Dee Das, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitate
Verb
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Donald Trump's initial ascent to the presidency inspired right-wing populist politicians around the world, many of whom sought to emulate his anti-establishment and anti-immigrant messaging.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
23 Apr. 2025
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Jordan’s dual roles emulate the Rodriquez siblings who were played by George Clooney and Tarantino himself, but with no sense of parody.—
Armond White,
National Review,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Silent comedies are often parodied as mere exercises in physical humor — and that element is certainly a part of their charm — but Chaplin’s work transcended pratfalls and knowing looks to the camera.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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Letterman, a true believer in Johnny Carson, didn’t really parody talk shows either.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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An online fundraiser for the women's coalition reproduced a letter from the Archewell Foundation, which the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, independently verified.—
Sophie Carson,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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Kinkade’s enormous 1990s-era success, which saw his work reproduced on everything from collectible plates to La-Z-Boy loungers, dovetailed with the period’s culture war against the sexualization of art.—
Gary Goldstein,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Its origins date back to 19th-century Maine as a term given to someone initiating or copying the work or actions of others.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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For example, customer details might be copied into the orders table, eliminating the need for joins when querying orders.—
Arie Abramovici,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Does the fact that these Black leaders are among the rich that dandies would have mocked savor the inheritance of the style tradition or sully it?—
Akilah Sailers,
Essence,
28 Apr. 2025
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In the first round, the team stayed put at No. 14 and still landed a player that was widely mocked to the team in tight end Tyler Warren.—
Mark Weinstein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Even her accessories choices have a sophisticated touch, especially her rounded gold-trim sunglasses and animal print oversized tote bag — replicate her look with the items below.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2025
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Will this new-look Oregon passing attack be able to replicate the recent success under Gabriel and, before him, Bo Nix? Tune in to the Big Ten Network on Saturday for the Oregon Spring Game.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While the filling is made of microfiber, the material mimics both the fluffiness and warmth of authentic down.—
Megan Schaltegger,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Using paint to mimic the look of a runner is a creative, unexpected way to add interest to your non-carpeted stairs.—
Katie Akin,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But another South Florida spot did: Itamae Ao, a Nikkei-style Peruvian-Japanese spot in Miami, earned its first Michelin star.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Here’s hoping these two titans of the game meet one more time in the postseason before they’re done.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitate. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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