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Definitions

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.

AI can imitate some of that process, but it cannot truly replicate it.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

Machines designed to imitate human intelligence may help illuminate what makes human consciousness unique.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

In Chipotle’s case, Ells freely admits his muse was taquerías in San Francisco’s Mission District that prepped burritos in the assembly line manner and size his company would soon imitate.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The inner core would be massive and concentrated enough to closely imitate the gravity of a black hole.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2026

I imitate the Urdu phrase I’ve heard Zohra use.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.