mock
36 synonyms and 0 antonyms for mock, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make fun of someone, often by imitating them; to ridicule.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use mock
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English mokken, via Old French mocquer ("to deride, jeer"), probably ultimately echoing a Germanic word for mumbling or muttering under one's breath.
Full origin of mock →Frequently asked questions
What does “mock” mean?
The word “mock” means to make fun of someone, often by imitating them; to ridicule. In plain terms, either "to ridicule someone" or, as an adjective, "fake/practice" — as in a mock exam or mock trial.
How do you pronounce “mock”?
“Mock” is pronounced mok (/mɔk/ in IPA).
How do you use “mock” in a sentence?
Here is “mock” used in a sentence: “The other kids mocked his accent.”
What is another word for “mock”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mock” include befool, chaff, disparage, forgab, frump and gleek.
What part of speech is “mock”?
Depending on how it is used, “mock” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “mock” come from?
The word “mock” comes from Old French. From Middle English mokken, via Old French mocquer ("to deride, jeer"), probably ultimately echoing a Germanic word for mumbling or muttering under one's breath.
Is “mock” a common word?
“Mock” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mock” have?
“Mock” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make fun of someone, often by imitating them; to ridicule.
What is the difference between mock used as a verb and mock used as an adjective?
As a verb, mock means to make fun of someone, often by imitating them, or to create a rough working model or trial version of something. As an adjective, mock describes something fake or an imitation, not the real thing, as in "mock leather" or "mock exam."
What is the difference between a mock exam and a real exam?
A mock exam is a trial version created to prepare students, mirroring the format and content of a real exam without being the genuine, official assessment. It functions as practice, reflecting the adjective sense of mock meaning fake or imitation.
What is the difference between mock and mimic?
Mimic focuses on closely imitating someone's speech, mannerisms, or appearance, while mock adds an element of ridicule to that imitation, making fun of the person being copied. You can mimic someone neutrally, but mocking always implies making fun of them.
When is mock used in a technical or business sense rather than to mean ridicule?
In technical and business contexts, mock refers to creating a rough working model or trial version of something, such as a "mock-up" of a design or a "mock interview" for practice. This sense is neutral and does not involve ridicule.