This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensors, highlighting their potential in various applications. MIPs, known as "plastic antibodies," are synthetic polymers with tailored recognition capabilities, offering high selectivity, sensitivity, and stability. The preparation methods of MIPs involve pre-complex formation, polymerization, and template elution, resulting in specific binding sites. These polymers are versatile and can be easily modified to enhance their performance in different applications. The review covers the preparation technologies for various polymer formats, from microparticles to nanomaterials, and their impact on the assembly of simplified sensing systems. It discusses the advantages of MIP-based sensors, including rapid, selective, reusable, and real-time screening capabilities. The review also explores the recent progress in imprinted-particle- and gel-based sensors, detailing their creation and application in diverse fields. Key applications of MIP-based sensors include environmental monitoring, food safety, medical diagnostics, and clinical applications. The review highlights the versatility of these sensors, which can be tailored for specific target molecules and used in various detection platforms such as piezoelectric, electrochemical, and optic sensors. It also discusses the challenges and future prospects of MIP-based sensors, emphasizing the potential for integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Overall, the review underscores the significant role of MIP-based sensors in advancing sensing technologies and their potential to revolutionize various scientific and technological domains.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensors, highlighting their potential in various applications. MIPs, known as "plastic antibodies," are synthetic polymers with tailored recognition capabilities, offering high selectivity, sensitivity, and stability. The preparation methods of MIPs involve pre-complex formation, polymerization, and template elution, resulting in specific binding sites. These polymers are versatile and can be easily modified to enhance their performance in different applications. The review covers the preparation technologies for various polymer formats, from microparticles to nanomaterials, and their impact on the assembly of simplified sensing systems. It discusses the advantages of MIP-based sensors, including rapid, selective, reusable, and real-time screening capabilities. The review also explores the recent progress in imprinted-particle- and gel-based sensors, detailing their creation and application in diverse fields. Key applications of MIP-based sensors include environmental monitoring, food safety, medical diagnostics, and clinical applications. The review highlights the versatility of these sensors, which can be tailored for specific target molecules and used in various detection platforms such as piezoelectric, electrochemical, and optic sensors. It also discusses the challenges and future prospects of MIP-based sensors, emphasizing the potential for integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Overall, the review underscores the significant role of MIP-based sensors in advancing sensing technologies and their potential to revolutionize various scientific and technological domains.