imitation 1 of 2

noun

ˌi-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce imitation (audio)
Definition of imitationnext
as in reproduction
something that is made to look exactly like something else challenged me to tell the real roses from the silk imitations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

imitation

2 of 2

adjective

as in faux
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials the stage production uses only imitation diamonds, as real gems would be prohibitively expensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 imitation
Noun
Kubiak, who was KU’s wide-receivers coach in 2015, took part in his obligatory interview with CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson and did an imitation of Joe Namath. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026 One of Bodyguard’s late-game moves would involve George Patton’s imitation army, complete with fake tanks and radio chatter, near Calais on June 6, 1944. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 Like wheeled humanoids, these systems are built for structured, high-throughput environments, prioritizing mobility and efficiency over human imitation. — Artem Sokolov, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Rock 'n roll was being created and developed in their youth, before the later waves of imitation and iteration. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitation
  1. reproduction
  2. faux
  3. copy
  4. synthetic
  5. replica
  6. simulated
  7. fake
  8. artificial
Noun
  • Because of the aphids’ fast reproduction and ability to disperse quickly to other plants, Crumbley recommends focusing on reducing the pest’s harborage sites as opposed to introducing marigolds or other companion plants in the fall.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Framed reproduction prints from it now hang throughout the house.
    — Nuriyah Johar, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • Experts called plumassiers, or feather specialists, would often collaborate with fashion houses and incorporate feathers, both faux and real, into designs for couture and ready-to-wear collections.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The ground floor features an 18-seat bar with a rum wall backsplash, carved Moai heads and high-tops that spill out to a lush faux-grass courtyard framed in palm trees and tiki-totem pillars.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • Researchers at the company tested how AI models might act as computer worms, programs that move between devices and leave copies of themselves behind, among everyday household gadgets.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Miami Herald was unsuccessful in reaching Dorworth, but did reach his former attorney who asked for a copy of the lawsuit.
    — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of copy
Adjective
  • Some dental floss manufacturers have been quietly moving away from the synthetic material PTFE, which helped their product slip smoothly between teeth.
    — Margaret Hetherman The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The result is a synthetic rhythm section—a voice mimicking a synthesizer that mimics a bass guitar—that precedes a very human chorus from Please, who does not sing so much as plead, several octaves higher.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Noun
  • The Southern Alps are an almost exact replica of the Himalayas in terms of their lot formations and crevasse fields, according to Hiddleston.
    — Tamara Southward, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The trio also talked about building a replica of the Young statue, which would be placed in the Renaissance Center once it is revamped.
    — Carol Cain, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of replica
Adjective
  • Prosecutors say he was beaten, suspended by his hands and feet and subjected to simulated drowning during two days of interrogation.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • After many attempts of trial and error in a simulated environment, MonoRace figured out the best ways to quickly solve navigation problems and then apply that in the real world.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • When Lee gets to the visitation window, there’s a fake Mekko sitting across from him.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved.
    — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • The series also leans on some corny, dad-style humor that further underscores its artificial nature.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The authors believe their own work will eventually find similar medical and microfluidic applications, such as for artificial pumps.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of artificial

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imitating
imitation
imitations
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Cite this Entry

“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitation. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imitation

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