Synonyms for

Monkey

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

Definition

a small to medium-sized primate that typically has a long tail, most kinds of which live in trees in tropical countries.

Synonyms & similar words

messaround rapscallion tamper monkeyaround scallywag muckabout imp rascal scamp muckaround tinker scalawag potter putter fiddle ape chimpanzee gorilla orangutan primate lemur baboon macaque marmoset tarsier capuchin colobus langur gibbon titi uakari

Synonyms by register

Formal

primate simian

Informal

ape critter little devil

Literary

simian arboreal creature

Antonyms

human person man woman adult child

Common collocations

  • monkey business
  • monkey wrench
  • monkey around
  • monkey see, monkey do
  • organ grinder's monkey
  • monkey bars
  • monkey puzzle tree

Word family

noun monkey
verb monkey

Usage note

The word 'monkey' is generally informal. For more formal contexts, 'primate' or 'simian' are preferred. Be mindful of its use as a verb, which can imply mischievous or foolish behavior.

Example sentences

  1. The monkey swung from branch to branch.
  2. The monkey ate a banana.
  3. The monkey in the zoo was very playful.
  4. The monkey groomed its fur.
  5. The monkey chattered loudly.

Quotes

  • 'I'm a monkey.' - Justin Timberlake
  • 'I'm not a monkey. I'm a human being.' - John Lennon
  • 'I am monkey with a long tail and cucumber eyes.' - Yoko Ono

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