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
The pair described childhood bedrooms covered in surf magazine cutouts and boards decorated with stickers in imitation of pro riders, calling the capsule a nod to that same impulse to live inside surf culture even when not in the water. — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 Fresh-faced and energetic, with salt-and-pepper curls falling over the shoulders of her moss-green sweater and gold jewelry punctuating her gestures, Brock Akil is youthful in a way that defies Hollywood’s ever-more-plasticky imitation of youth. — Judy Berman, Time, 29 June 2026 The films have spawned endless imitations, parodies and spinoffs, such as this week’s Verizon commercial featuring Myers and co-stars Seth Green, Mindy Sterling and Rob Lowe. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 June 2026 Reggano Ranch and Bacon Pasta Salad Kit Reggano Ranch and Bacon Pasta Salad Kit includes pasta, vegetables, seasoning, and imitation bacon chips for a quick side dish. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 June 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
  • Laser Projection Benefits Laser projectors offer significantly better image quality than units based on Xenon lamps, offering a higher light output, better color reproduction, greater contrast and an overall more uniform image.
    — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Pollination is crucial to plant reproduction and the wider ecosystem that relies on plants as a food source.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Definition of reproduction
Adjective
  • Inside, a memory foam insole with arch support cushions every step, and the soft faux leather molds to your ideal fit over time.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • The white interior and faux leather are also available in Overland and reviewed Limited trims.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 28 June 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • The early copy remained tucked away in Britain’s National Archives until a volunteer cataloging records from the American Revolutionary War came across it in May among the papers of Royal Navy captains.
    — Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Julia Giarmoleo, an EPA spokesperson, said the monitors did not detect elevated metals, but would not provide a copy of the data without a federal records request.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of copy
Adjective
  • Tight or synthetic clothing can increase bacterial growth on the skin, including in areas that promote UTIs, due to additional sweating.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Their work ultimately led to the creation of the first synthetic hydrogel made from poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), or pHEMA.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
Definition of synthetic
Noun
  • The company doesn’t break out sales of individual products, but as of Thursday, Nike’s website had sold out of most adult sizes in both of the USMNT’s home and away jerseys, including both authentic and replica editions.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
  • Another replica flag steeped in American history was aboard the International Space Station from November 2014 through June 2015.
    — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
Definition of replica
Adjective
  • Together, those technologies allow the robot to learn human movements through thousands of simulated training sessions before executing them in dynamic real-world environments.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • The habitat is complete with private crew quarters, a crop cultivation area, an airlock and a sandbox for simulated Mars walks.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • First was a Drug Enforcement Administration badge and ID with Horsch’s photo on it, but the ID was fake, and Horsch has never worked for the DEA, according to court documents.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • The West should also stop drawing artificial distinctions that favor Russian escalation management over Ukrainian survival.
    — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Instead of using artificial colors, look for ingredients that naturally fit the bill.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imitation

Nglish: Translation of imitation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imitation

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