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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Rock 'n roll was being created and developed in their youth, before the later waves of imitation and iteration. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026 Santo Domingo admits there are certain people whose imitation simply gets under her skin. — Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2026 According to the criminal complaint, police found an imitation pistol in the suspect’s bag. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 Global game Durant welcomes NBA’s international flair To Kevin Durant, imitation is not just flattery. — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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
  • This exhibit displays body parts and specimens crucial to human development and reproduction.
    — Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • On the editorial side, this includes the licenses for reproductions in books like exhibition catalogs, scholarly tomes, and even the covers of novels, as well as publications, for news coverage and criticism for exhibitions as well as general use.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • Floral garlands, vases, faux windows, buckets, and even a trompe-l’oeil lion skin evoke an atmosphere quite far removed from the typical imagery found in houses in this part of Italy.
    — Elena Dallorso, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This + a faux-fur coat + beloved leather pants + a 44-percent-off deal = your most head-turning (and wallet-sparing) ensemble to date.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • Cyberpunk 2077, which has sold more than 40 million copies, is an open-world action-adventure set in Night City, a megalopolis driven by power, glamour and body modification.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Now, with over 400 million copies sold, the series has been widely adapted into TV shows and films, including one starring actor Jack Black.
    — Kat Tran October 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of copy
Adjective
  • One California law firm says yes, and has filed a barrage of lawsuits this year, targeting hotels in California and elsewhere over synthetic fragrances in common areas.
    — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Ortovox takes a fresh approach to polyester Ortovox is taking a break from wool for its first synthetic T-shirts—and bringing an odor-control specialist along for the ride.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Noun
  • Hanging beside a replica wooden hut was a birdcage with a note explaining that the parrot had been removed for its own mental well-being.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Eight interconnecting venues offer everything from French-Japanese fusion, an oyster and ceviche bar, poolside cocktails, and a replica speakeasy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of replica
Adjective
  • Drone swarms were used to provide targeting information to ground units, while tactical UAVs, armed helicopters and unmanned ground vehicles coordinated attacks against simulated targets.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Deeptune, which builds simulated work environments for training AI agents, raised a $43 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz in March and agreed to be acquired by Mercor four months later.
    — Wen Shao, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • The fake blooms lined the sweeping curves that curled across the arena floor.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Chastain goes for broke with melodrama as both the real and fake Mommies.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • But deeper into the community is the Louisiana Leadership Institute, a sprawling complex that includes a full-scale gymnasium, classrooms, a fine arts center, a football field and a stadium with artificial turf.
    — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The explosion caused an artificial radiation belt that destroyed several satellites and partially knocked out street lights and phone lines in Hawaii.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of artificial

Browse Nearby Words

imitating
imitation
imitations
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Cite this Entry

“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imitation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imitation

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