simulate

verb

ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio)
Definition of simulatenext
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of cosmetics that simulate a suntan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb simulate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of simulate are affect, assume, counterfeit, feign, pretend, and sham. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

When can affect be used instead of simulate?

In some situations, the words affect and simulate are roughly equivalent. However, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

When would assume be a good substitute for simulate?

Although the words assume and simulate have much in common, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

Where would counterfeit be a reasonable alternative to simulate?

The words counterfeit and simulate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

How is feign related to other words for simulate?

Feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

When is pretend a more appropriate choice than simulate?

The synonyms pretend and simulate are sometimes interchangeable, but pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

When is it sensible to use sham instead of simulate?

The meanings of sham and simulate largely overlap; however, sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of simulate Roberts didn’t know whether Ohtani would simulate more than one inning on Sunday. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025 That would let researchers simulate only the essential parts of the brain, and not all biological idiosyncrasies. —Dobromir Rahnev, The Conversation, 23 May 2025 And perhaps the Thunderbolts can simulate their start to the regular season. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 Resilience Testing Through Chaos Engineering A compelling example of living intelligence in cloud and DevOps is Netflix’s Chaos Engineering platform, which simulates real-world failures to proactively test system resilience. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
  1. pretend
  2. assume
  3. affect
Verb
  • That’s the point of him; as the Mission: Impossible franchise’s secret agent extraordinaire, Hunt can pretend to be anyone, accomplish basically any physical task, and uncover conspiracies with aplomb.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
  • That old man was Trump—who had just been hospitalized with COVID-19, but was pretending that everything was fine—and yet the column was about America’s gerontocracy as a whole, and what Smith suggested was an unsustainable media omertà around it.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • Many retirement planners assume a 30-year retirement.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown agreed this spring not to assume anything with McCarthy.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of assume
Verb
  • Some have said that the dollar’s reserve currency status may be affected, perhaps diminished somewhat – which would have many ramifications, including a rise in the cost to the U.S. for financing its deficits.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Young boys’ development seems to have been particularly affected.
    — Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Definition of affect

Browse Nearby Words

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simulate
simulated
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Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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