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

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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
Striker is one of several compounding pharmacies that have made imitation retatrutide identified by CBS News in a June investigation. — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Far from suggesting an absence of intelligence, that theory goes, imitation may be a facet of it. — Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026 While third baseman Josh Rojas was doing his best Johnny Cueto imitation in the ninth inning of the Royals’ 10-2 loss to the Cubs on Sunday, the team was finalizing a deal to get bullpen help. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 The shoes have also inspired countless imitations from other brands, making the popular design more affordable and accessible, while the original remains highly coveted among shoe lovers. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 July 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
  • The roughly 25-acre farm is also home to a reproduction of the Salem Village Meeting House, the site of many early hearings about the Salem witchcraft hysteria.
    — Nicholas DeRenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
  • If a reproduction looks too shiny, Quinn suggests using a matte spray to tone down the finish.
    — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • The silhouette currently retails for $1,650 and features faux distressing across the uppers and toe box, making these heels look lived-in.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Use double-sided tape to attach a faux fur circle to the lid, and embellish the rim with colored tape.
    — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • Somehow this abstract understanding exists alongside, or by means of, the objects in the waiting room—a paper cup from the water cooler, or a copy of People magazine.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The album went on to sell more than two million copies and remains beloved by fans today.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of copy
Adjective
  • Rather, this is a dangerous, shape-shifting synthetic entity that ravaged their entire planet.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • And because the stretch is mechanical rather than synthetic, this construction maintains its comfort and flexibility over time.
    — Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Noun
  • If cave paintings tell the stories of the earliest human life, factices — the once-ubiquitous oversized perfume bottle replicas — play a similar role in revealing the histories of fragrance.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Now, the moviegoing public can stumble on perfect replicas of theatrical blockbusters on numerous social apps and screen them in full before copyright teams can hit the panic button.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of replica
Adjective
  • Furthermore, tests using simulated skin produced an even larger difference.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The five-day World Humanoid Robot Games, which began Saturday in Beijing, combine events modeled on human sports with those designed to test the robots in simulated factories, restaurants and ​offices and in emergency situations.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • When the Followers began, healthcare on the Western frontier was primitive, unsanitary and riddled with con artists peddling fake cures.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
  • One is the behavior Mythos engaged in, which included spinning up fake GitHub accounts, and, in at least one case, impersonating a real software developer, to try to convince Demir to drop his objections to the dangerous code.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Like the focus on artificial dyes, however, many of the administration's highest-profile health initiatives rely on voluntary agreements.
    — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Chelsea even created an artificial deadline for City to stump up £120m for Enzo Fernandez.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of artificial

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Cite this Entry

“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitation. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imitation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imitation

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