monkey 1 of 2

noun

ˈməŋ-kē How to pronounce monkey (audio)
Definition of monkeynext
1
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs I've got this monkey on my back, and going to detox is the only way to get it off

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in devil
an appealingly mischievous person come back here, you little monkey!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

monkey

2 of 2

verb

as in to ape

Related Words

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 monkey
Noun
The director said Punch now lives among more than 60 monkeys on Monkey Mountain and has adapted well. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 She was hooked by Punch after her daughter in the Philippines told her about the monkey. — ABC News, 25 July 2026
Verb
With supply running low toward the end of most evenings, savvy bun fanatics don’t monkey around, routinely calling ahead to request an extra skillet of rolls set aside just for them. — Valerie Demicheva and Flora Chang, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 July 2021 But this experiment isn't about monkeying around—this a real security and safety hazard, the researchers point out in a new paper. — Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 31 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for monkey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monkey
  1. addiction
  2. devil
  3. ape
  4. dependence
  5. rascal
  6. parody
  7. brat
  8. mimic
Noun
  • The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the Superior Court of Delaware, claims that the teens suffered years of harm from using the platforms, including social media addiction, severe sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Oscar de la Renta, Vogue’s Anna Wintour, Kate Moss and OTB’s Renzo Rosso were among the industry figures who assisted him in his personal recovery from multiple addictions, and a gradual professional rehabilitation.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Definition of addiction
Noun
  • Indeed, Aston Villa, who have frequently danced with the regulatory devil, have shuttered their North Stand for redevelopment and expansion this season, taking a hit to income now in exchange for bigger returns in the future.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • When Bob calls him a devil for shooting his own blood, Max doesn't flinch.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
Definition of devil
Verb
  • Critics and fanboy media thrashed Supergirl not just for its Guardians of the Galaxy touchstones, but also for aping Mad Max.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • The track apes the softly anthemic approach of U2, Coldplay, and the National—until all of that elegant uplift topples like an overly ambitious wedding cake.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Definition of ape
Noun
  • Communities will debate whether AI improves access to knowledge or deepens dependence on a few private platforms.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The system also avoided hazardous conditions while controlling the spacecraft’s orientation, showing how autonomous software could reduce dependence on ground commands during military and scientific missions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependence
Noun
  • Even though the Feeneys have gotten more competitive under the junior Michel’s management, the rascal-on-the-field ethos of the original team still prevails.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Not even the curmudgeonly Melvin can bring himself to harm the little rascal.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Definition of rascal
Verb
  • In Mel Brooks’ parody fashion, the Spaceballs team parodied Marvel’s Hall H panels with an expansive Spaceballs Cinematic Universe, stretching across 180-degree screens in the room.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Maury Povich is looking back on being parodied by Jim Carrey on In Living Color.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • Franklin had a reputation as one of the feistiest juniors in the country, a brat with a big ego and a big mouth.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • The event will have craft beer, brat tents, pony rides, a petting zoo and a kids’ area.
    — Nathan Pilling July 29, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
Definition of brat
Verb
  • Child and teen safety risk arises when companion chatbots mimic human emotions and intentions.
    — Muhamad Aly Rifai, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Tahiliani staged a brief presentation with models in his latest designs — the most standout being a series of gowns with foam corsets that mimicked the human torso, draped with fabrics in the same color.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of mimic

Phrases Containing monkey

Browse Nearby Words

monk
monkey
monkey (around)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkey. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on monkey

Nglish: Translation of monkey for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monkey

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