imitative
adjective
im·i·ta·tive
ˈi-mə-ˌtā-tiv 
especially British -tə-tiv
1
a
: marked by imitation
acting is an imitative art
b
: reproducing or representing a natural sound : onomatopoeic
"hiss" is an imitative word
c
: exhibiting mimicry
2
: inclined to imitate
3
: imitating something superior : counterfeit
imitatively
adverb
imitativeness
noun
Examples of imitative in a Sentence
The architecture is imitative of a Japanese temple.
your writing style tends to be imitative of whichever author you've recently read
Recent Examples on the Web
The word was likely imitative of the deep humming sound male bees make.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
The results suggested that felines may have imitative skills and the ability to recognize behavioral similarities.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Tesfaye and Ortega model two opposing modes of imitative, hollow performance, like a bad actor’s varying notions of good acting.
—Charles Bramesco, IndieWire, 15 May 2025
Explaining Traditions - Folk Behavior In Modern Culture By Simon J. Bronner
This kind of imitative play—not just Cooties but also House or Cops and Robbers—helps children make sense of the world.
—Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imitative
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Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
The results suggested that felines may have imitative skills and the ability to recognize behavioral similarities.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Tesfaye and Ortega model two opposing modes of imitative, hollow performance, like a bad actor’s varying notions of good acting.
—Charles Bramesco, IndieWire, 15 May 2025
Explaining Traditions - Folk Behavior In Modern Culture By Simon J. Bronner
This kind of imitative play—not just Cooties but also House or Cops and Robbers—helps children make sense of the world.
—Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imitative
Video
A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia
Some imitative words are more surprising than others
Cite this Entry
“Imitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imitative. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imitative
adjective
im·i·ta·tive
ˈim-ə-ˌtāt-iv
1
: involving imitation
2
: given to imitating
3
: imitating something better
imitatively
adverb
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