Thesaurus results for SIMULATE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: How is 'feign' related to other words for 'simulate'?

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

Q: 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

Q: 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

simulate

verb

ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt

Definition of simulate next

as in to pretend

to present a false appearance of cosmetics that simulate a suntan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The Soarin' attraction is an 80-foot projection dome under which riders are lifted into the air to simulate the motion of flight. —

Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Surgeons can also simulate both scenarios on you by lifting with their fingers. —

Jolene Edgar, Allure, 14 May 2026 It’s claimed that to simulate the low gravity of the Moon, the astronauts were filmed in slow motion, which involves shooting film or video at a higher frame rate than normal. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026 Mesgarani says the next step was to simulate a cocktail party at the bedside. —

Jon Hamilton, NPR, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for simulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate

Verb

The two initially make a deal where Hannah exchanges free tutoring lessons for Garrett pretending to be her boyfriend, making her crush jealous.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
With the war’s turbulence on the economy more prevalent and the internet now throttled, Russians no longer have the luxury of pretending the war in Ukraine isn’t happening.

— Daniel DePetris, Twin Cities, 15 May 2026

Definition of pretend

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“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of simulate

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