An imitatora person who copies someone else’s behavior or manner is a person who copiesrepeats or duplicates what another person does or says another person’s words, actions, style, or appearance. The word can describe simple copying, or, in a more specific sense, pretendingacting as if you are a different person to be someone else.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈɪmɪˌteɪtɚ/
Easy pronunciation: IM-i-TAY-ter (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the first syllable, with secondary stress on TAY.
This is the noun meaning someone who copies another person's words or behavior.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Imitator Meaning
a person who copies how someone else speaks or acts
Part of speech: noun
Definition: someone who copies the words or behavior of another
Example: The young comedian was often called an imitator because he copied famous performers so well.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- copycat — A natural everyday synonym for someone who copies others.
- ape — Works as a synonym for copying behavior, though it can sound informal or negative.
- aper — Rare and old-fashioned, but related to this sense.
- emulator — Can fit this sense, especially when copying a model or style, but is less common in everyday use.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Imitator
Meaning 2
a person who pretends to be someone else
Part of speech: noun
Definition: someone who (fraudulently) assumes the appearance of another
Example: Police arrested an imitator who was posing as the company’s chief executive.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- impersonator — The best synonym for this more specific sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Imitator Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- copycat
- ape
someone who pretends to be another person
- impersonator
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not use imitator as if it always means impersonator; the word usually means someone who copies behavior or style, not necessarily someone committing fraud.
- Emulator can sound more technical or specialized than imitator in everyday English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does imitator mean?
An imitator is someone who copies another person’s words, behavior, style, or appearance. In a narrower sense, it can mean someone who pretends to be another person.
What are the best synonyms for imitator?
For the main everyday meaning, the best synonym is copycat. For the fraud-related sense, impersonator is the best match.
Is imitator the same as impersonator?
Not exactly. An imitator usually copies someone’s behavior or style, while an impersonator specifically pretends to be someone else, often fraudulently.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.