monkey-like
Resembling a primate
Monkey-like describes something resembling or characteristic of a monkey in appearance, movement, or behavior.
It often suggests agility, nimbleness, or the ability to climb and swing with ease: He scrambled up the tree with monkey-like speed.
The term can also imply playful mischief, imitative behavior, or facial features that recall a simian appearance.
When applied to people, context determines whether the comparison is admiring or disparaging.
Of primates with tails
- primateHigher mammal order member
- agileLimber and quick-moving
- nimbleQuick and light-moving
- hairyHaving much fur
crouching · hunched · swinging · grasping · prehensile · expressive · wiry · lithe
Playfully causing trouble
- playfulInclined toward fun
- curiousEager to learn
- impishPlayfully mischievous in manner
- cheekyPlayfully disrespectful
antic · clowning · mimicking · chattering · scampering · grabbing · snatching · fidgeting
Awkward, effortful climbing
- scramblingMoving clumsily in haste
- scalingClimbing or resizing
- swingingMoving in arcs
- hangingExecution by noose
perching · gripping · leaping · bounding · vaulting · dangling · shinning · ascending
Distorting face unpleasantly
- muggingRobbery with violence
- expressiveShowing feelings outwardly
- wide-eyedShowing naive amazement
- animatedFull of life, or drawn moving
contorted · comical · exaggerated · emotive · grinning · scrunching · pouty · alert
simian
Of primates with tails
hairy · crouching · hunched · swinging · grasping · prehensile · expressive · wiry · lithe · compact
mischievous
Playfully causing trouble
cheeky · antic · clowning · mimicking · chattering · scampering · grabbing · snatching · fidgeting · restless
clambering
Awkward, effortful climbing
- scramblingMoving clumsily in haste
- scalingClimbing or resizing
- swingingMoving in arcs
hanging · perching · gripping · leaping · bounding · vaulting · dangling · shinning · ascending · arboreal
grimacing
Distorting face unpleasantly
- muggingRobbery with violence
- expressiveShowing feelings outwardly
- wide-eyedShowing naive amazement
animated · contorted · comical · exaggerated · emotive · grinning · scrunching · pouty · alert · inquisitive