Definition of personatenext
as in to play
to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior likes to personate the man of the world, but he's still the small-town hick that he always was

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 personate Till’s motifs swept though the ensemble, as horns, clarinets, bassoons, violin all had a chance to personate the character. — By Libby Hanssen, kansascity.com, 3 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for personate
Verb
  • All the more reason for leaders to play the generosity sweepstakes in ways that are advantageous to them.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.
    — Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Instagram eventually removed the account for impersonating a public figure.
    — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Last year, the AI startup removed chatbots that impersonated popular Disney characters such as Elsa and Darth Vader after the Burbank entertainment behemoth sent a cease-and-desist letter.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The museum brought a tremendous wow factor that cities around the world were soon clamoring to imitate.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI denied intentionally imitating Johansson’s voice and later withdrew the feature.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Critics mocked Zacharia’s performance during her first and last press conference on Tuesday, and ripped her for describing herself as an attorney, despite having never passed the bar exam.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Difference Between Names And Dynamics Richard Feynman recalled being mocked by another child for not knowing a bird’s name.
    — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rogers has increasingly portrayed El-Sayed as an extremist and a threat to Jewish voters as the Republican tries to win over a traditionally Democratic constituency.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Landon starred as the Ingalls family patriarch, Charles, Karen Grassle played his wife, Caroline, and Gilbert portrayed their daughter, Laura.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The American Civil Liberties Union sued in February, alleging officers hurled racial epithets, acted violently, and largely withheld food, water, bathrooms and medical care.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Documents detailing meetings in April and August between the government, the WHO and other health partners, reviewed by Reuters and not previously reported, show how efforts to act fast may have led to shortcomings.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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