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Synonyms

mimic

American  
[mim-ik] / ˈmɪm ɪk /

verb (used with object)

mimicked, mimicking
  1. to imitate or copy in action, speech, etc., often playfully or derisively.

    Synonyms:
    counterfeit, simulate, impersonate, mock, follow
  2. to imitate in a servile or unthinking way; ape.

  3. to be an imitation of; simulate; resemble closely.


noun

  1. a person who mimics, especially a performer skilled in mimicking others.

  2. a copy or imitation of something.

  3. a performer in a mime.

adjective

  1. imitating or copying something, often on a smaller scale.

    a mimic battle.

    Synonyms:
    mock
  2. apt at or given to imitating; imitative; simulative.

mimic British  
/ ˈmɪmɪk /

verb

  1. to imitate (a person, a manner, etc), esp for satirical effect; ape

    known mainly for his ability to mimic other singers

  2. to take on the appearance of; resemble closely

    certain flies mimic wasps

  3. to copy closely or in a servile manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a person or an animal, such as a parrot, that is clever at mimicking

  2. an animal that displays mimicry

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or using mimicry; imitative

  2. simulated, make-believe, or mock

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • mimicker noun
  • unmimicked adjective

Etymology

Origin of mimic

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin mīmicus, from Greek mīmikós; equivalent to mime + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The seeds also mimic the flavors of raspberry or strawberry seeds, adding a subtle yet stylish touch to their individual fruit jams.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

This device continuously rotates cells to mimic the disorienting effects of zero gravity.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Kirkland Signature energy drinks mimic Celsius’s look, flavors, and 200 milligrams of caffeine, causing Celsius shares to fall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

They identified patterns in online information and learned to mimic how people string words, music and pixels together.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Originally titled Innocent Moves, the film was retitled before final release, with producers deciding to mimic the title of the book on which the film was based.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady