imitate

[im-i-teyt] / ˈɪm ɪˌteɪt /

VERB

pretend to be; do an impression of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

act like ape assume duplicate echo emulate impersonate mimic mirror mock pretend replicate reproduce resemble simulate

STRONG

Xerox affect borrow burlesque caricature clone copy counterfeit ditto falsify feign follow forge match mime parallel parody personate reduplicate reflect repeat sham spoof travesty

WEAK

be like carbon do like do likewise follow in footsteps follow suit look like model after pattern after play a part put on send up take off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

differ tell the truth

STRONG

disregard

WEAK

be original clash oppose reverse

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Sorbonne has said the "Moliere Ex Machina" project was aimed at "bringing to life a world that never was, but could have been", and acknowledged its attempt to imitate Moliere "was bold, almost sacrilegious".

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

“It speaks to his greatness,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, and, yeah, somebody must be great if they can induce grown men to imitate farm animals.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

As James Baldwin once said, “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

“The new CEO should lean in to his own strengths and not try to imitate either of his predecessors.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Ernie Macmillan, however, was muttering, “Specialis Revelio!” over his cauldron, which sounded impressive, so Harry and Ron hastened to imitate him.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing imitate

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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List 11

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