mimic
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to imitate or copy in action, speech, etc., often playfully or derisively.
- Synonyms:
- counterfeit, simulate, impersonate, mock, follow
-
to imitate in a servile or unthinking way; ape.
-
to be an imitation of; simulate; resemble closely.
noun
-
a person who mimics, especially a performer skilled in mimicking others.
-
a copy or imitation of something.
-
a performer in a mime.
adjective
-
imitating or copying something, often on a smaller scale.
a mimic battle.
- Synonyms:
- mock
-
apt at or given to imitating; imitative; simulative.
verb
-
to imitate (a person, a manner, etc), esp for satirical effect; ape
known mainly for his ability to mimic other singers
-
to take on the appearance of; resemble closely
certain flies mimic wasps
-
to copy closely or in a servile manner
noun
-
a person or an animal, such as a parrot, that is clever at mimicking
-
an animal that displays mimicry
adjective
-
of, relating to, or using mimicry; imitative
-
simulated, make-believe, or mock
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
To mimic the conditions of a rocket ascent, they launched the missile and, after it broke the sound barrier, triggered the abort system.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
"The type of contact we tried to mimic touches upon all varieties of microplastics research," Clough said.
From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026
The group in which the most popular apps are made totally unavailable is intended to mimic what a social media ban would look like.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
When she mentioned that I had started wetting the bed, I went to where the others were watching TV and started to mimic what was on the screen.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
