Synonyms for

Ape

Verb / eɪp / Another word for ape — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a large primate that is similar to a monkey but does not have a tail

Synonyms & similar words

imitator aper caricature anthropoid emulator copycat gorilla chimpanzee orangutan baboon macaque lemur gibbon siamang mandrill langur tarsier capuchin marmoset uakari

Synonyms by register

Formal

primate simian

Informal

monkey gorilla chimp

Literary

beast brute

Antonyms

human person man woman child individual

Common collocations

  • great ape
  • ape man
  • ape-like creature
  • ape descent
  • ape-like
  • ape behavior

Word family

noun ape
verb ape

Usage note

While 'ape' can refer to any primate in the superfamily Hominoidea, it is often used informally to refer specifically to great apes like gorillas and chimpanzees. It can also be used as a verb meaning to imitate.

Example sentences

  1. The ape at the zoo was swinging from branch to branch.
  2. The movie had a funny character that was an ape.
  3. The researchers were studying the behavior of apes in the wild.
  4. My little brother likes to pretend he is an ape and climb on the furniture.
  5. The zookeeper was feeding the apes their favorite snacks.

Quotes

  • 'I'm not a monkey. I'm an ape.' - King Kong
  • 'Ape alone... weak. Apes together... strong.' - Caesar, Planet of the Apes
  • 'Humans... so stupid.' - Koba, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

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