im·i·ta·tion
ˌi-mə-ˈtā-shən 
1
: an act or instance of imitating
2
: something produced as a copy : counterfeit
3
: a literary work designed to reproduce the style of another author
4
: the repetition by one voice of a melody, phrase, or motive stated earlier in the composition by a different voice
5
: the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea
6
: the assumption of behavior observed in other individuals
: resembling something else that is usually genuine and of better quality : not real
imitation leather
Synonyms
Noun
- carbon
- carbon copy
- clone
- copy
- dummy
- dupe
- duplicate
- duplication
- facsimile
- mock
- reduplication
- replica
- replication
- reproduction
Adjective
Examples of imitation in a Sentence
Noun
Children learn by imitation of adults.
The restaurant was designed in imitation of a Japanese temple.
He did a hilarious imitation of his father.
The real diamonds are in a museum. These are just imitations.
Adjective
the stage production uses only imitation diamonds, as real gems would be prohibitively expensive
Recent Examples on the Web
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Fold in the remaining green parts of green onions, the imitation crab meat, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
—Shelli McConnell, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024
True to its reputation, the traveling party lived up to its motto, filling the venue with a mesmerizing display of lights that shifted from sparkling starry night imitations to deep ocean blues, culminating in a vibrant rainbow light show.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2024
Céline Dion Sports Promo Although Grande swiftly cycles through several vocal imitations in her charming monologue, the most impressive one comes later.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imitation 
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Noun
She's loved seeing so many positive responses to her sister's masterful imitation.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Fold in the remaining green parts of green onions, the imitation crab meat, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
—Shelli McConnell, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024
True to its reputation, the traveling party lived up to its motto, filling the venue with a mesmerizing display of lights that shifted from sparkling starry night imitations to deep ocean blues, culminating in a vibrant rainbow light show.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2024
Céline Dion Sports Promo Although Grande swiftly cycles through several vocal imitations in her charming monologue, the most impressive one comes later.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imitation
Articles Related to imitation
Dictionary Entries Near imitation
Cite this Entry
“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imitation. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imitation
1 of 2 noun
im·i·ta·tion
ˌim-ə-ˈtā-shən
1
: an act of imitating
2
: something produced as a copy
imitation
2 of 2 adjective
: resembling something else especially of better quality
imitation pearls
imitation leather
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