im·i·tate
ˈi-mə-ˌtāt
imitated; imitating
1
: to follow as a pattern, model, or example
Her style has been imitated by many other writers.
2
a
: to copy or repeat (the form, character, qualities, conduct, manners, etc.) of someone or something : mimic, counterfeit
can imitate his father's booming voice
The scout imitated the bird's call.
b
: to resemble by biological mimicry
chameleons imitating their background
The viceroy butterfly is said to imitate the monarch.
3
: to be or appear like : resemble
a fabric that imitates silk
4
: to produce a copy of : reproduce
… able to imitate the various brilliant and delightful touches of nature.—Anne Brontë
im·i·ta·tor
ˈiməˌtātə(r)
-ātə-
plural -s
: one that imitates : one that gives or produces imitations
Cite this Entry
“Imitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imitate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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