1
as in imitation
using or marked by the use of something else as a basis or model
your writing style tends to be imitative of whichever author you've recently read
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2
as in synthetic
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials
an imitative extract never has the flavor of the real thing
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Recent Examples of imitative
The crowded true-crime space tends to be an imitative one—a quality that can work in victims’ favor, as with this docuseries, which builds on the empathy-building of its predecessors.
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Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2023
The mystery account behind the AI song, identifying as Ghostwriter, left no clues about how the imitative track was brought into being, or what information was fed into programs to create it.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2023
Chapter 4 is a triumph of consistent style — a rare distinction among blockbusters usually dependent on conventional, imitative effects.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 Mar. 2023
As the main arc of Dream’s captivity and artifact quest closes in The Sandman’s middle episodes, the series gives way to an anthological structure, imitative of the comics and allowing viewers to meet characters only briefly featured in the series’ source material.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 8 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for imitative 
Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2023
The mystery account behind the AI song, identifying as Ghostwriter, left no clues about how the imitative track was brought into being, or what information was fed into programs to create it.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2023
Chapter 4 is a triumph of consistent style — a rare distinction among blockbusters usually dependent on conventional, imitative effects.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 Mar. 2023
As the main arc of Dream’s captivity and artifact quest closes in The Sandman’s middle episodes, the series gives way to an anthological structure, imitative of the comics and allowing viewers to meet characters only briefly featured in the series’ source material.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 8 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for imitative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imitative
Adjective
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One of the most formidable obstacles is replicating the intricate structure of human tissues—bones, ligaments, and muscles—on a synthetic platform.Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
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Modern homes are full of plastics, chemicals and other synthetic materials that emit toxins when burned.Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Indeed, what is happening might be better explained by the field of mimetic theory, which recognizes that imitation can drive decisions, stressing the role of volition and social learning in human arrangements.Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024
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An enduring favorite, the satirical coming-of-age comedy (from director Mark Waters based on a script by Fey) has launched a bevy of endlessly quotable, referential and mimetic turns of phrase.Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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Just take a look at her Coachella style, filled with faux furs and rhinestones.Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
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The faux marble top is easy to clean but still gives your room a high-class vibe.Christopher Murray, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But this formulaic approach is precisely what’s falling flat.Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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If the twists are too easily visible and the revelations a hair too formulaic, however, James still treats the genre and its conventions with respect.Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Related: SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 test flight will deploy simulated Starlink satellites for 1st time The October mission featured an unprecedented catch of Starship's Super Heavy booster by Starbase's launch tower, a feat that SpaceX will try to repeat on Flight 7.Mike Wall, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2025
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Visitors can climb aboard replica vessels and even do simulated rocket launches.Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Most current mock drafts have Shedeur landing somewhere in the top three picks, which makes sense considering there are a ton of quarterback-needy teams.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
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But the upper stage will do something new on Flight 7, deploying 10 mock satellites — inactive versions of SpaceX's Starlink broadband craft — which will follow Ship's suborbital trajectory and splash down in the Indian Ocean as well.Mike Wall, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But beware: There’s a difference between artificial tears and other products only meant to reduce redness.Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
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Moreover, the concept of artificial gravity, achieved through rotational forces, has been a topic of research for decades.William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That is, the mimic leaves were longer, and less lobed.Ari Daniel, NPR, 14 Sep. 2024
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Sting is also a mimic, able to copy Charlotte’s whistle, even though, as the slightly creepy would-be scientist living upstairs tells her, spiders don’t have vocal cords.Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
Video
A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia
Some imitative words are more surprising than others
Thesaurus Entries Near imitative
Cite this Entry
“Imitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imitative. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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