imitation

[im-i-tey-shuhn] / ˌɪm ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

NOUN

simulation, substitution

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clone impersonation impression mimicry parody reflection replica reproduction

STRONG

Xerox apery copy counterfeit counterpart ditto dupe duplicate duplication ersatz fake forgery image likeness match mime mimesis mockery parallel phony picture resemblance ringer semblance sham simulacrum takeoff transcription travesty

WEAK

aping carbon copy counterfeiting echoing matching mirroring paralleling paraphrasing parroting patterning representing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

original

STRONG

difference opposite reality seriousness solemnity

WEAK

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.

There was a sandwich shop built in an ersatz Alamo and imitation of San Antonio’s Riverwalk with a Mexican restaurant that offered both classic and frozen margaritas.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

OpenAI removed the voice, but insisted that it was not meant to be an "imitation" of the Avengers star.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

AI-generated entertainment content ultimately fails to engage audiences authentically because viewers seek human creativity and connection, which AI cannot replicate beyond superficial imitation, suggesting the problem may self-correct through consumer indifference rather than intentional resistance.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

It was a social phenomenon shaped by imitation, ideology and institutional reinforcement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

My imitation of Sonny is not as good as Malik’s, but it makes him chuckle.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing imitation

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