imitation

[im-i-tey-shuhn] / ˌɪm ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

NOUN

simulation, substitution

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clone impersonation impression mimicry parody reflection replica reproduction

STRONG

Xerox apery copy counterfeit counterpart ditto dupe duplicate duplication ersatz fake forgery image likeness match mime mimesis mockery parallel phony picture resemblance ringer semblance sham simulacrum takeoff transcription travesty

WEAK

aping carbon copy counterfeiting echoing matching mirroring paralleling paraphrasing parroting patterning representing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

original

STRONG

difference opposite reality seriousness solemnity

WEAK

reverse

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.

Robert says imitation learning can cut the time taken to train the robot from months to days.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

She pitches her voice higher, widens her eyes, and lets the imitation convey her meaning.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Engineers at Northwestern University have created printed artificial neurons that go beyond imitation and can directly interact with real brain cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

There was a sandwich shop built in an ersatz Alamo and imitation of San Antonio’s Riverwalk with a Mexican restaurant that offered both classic and frozen margaritas.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

BREN: Dude, I can loan you my Pitbull imitation shades.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya

Vocabulary lists containing imitation

Inside Out & Back Again

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