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

Relevance

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 There’s also a soundproof dark room with bean bag chairs and a motion light that simulates a starry sky. —Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 By simulating the simplicity and speed of native payments, drop-off is reduced and the user experience is streamlined. —Sara Smith, Variety, 21 July 2025 Users were tasked with taking care of their virtual pet by pressing buttons that simulate feeding, disciplining and playing with the critter on screen. —Michelle Chapman, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025 To best simulate this, either buy or make cold brew (coarsely ground coffee, mixed 7:1 with water, let sit at room temp for 24 hours and filter), then freeze it into ice cube trays. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
  1. pretend
  2. assume
  3. affect
Verb
  • There were Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen pretending to make out.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 July 2025
  • Upon spotting himself on the big screen, Cohen immediately reached over and pretended to make out with a shocked Cooper.
    — Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • At Outdoor Voices, that role will be assumed by O’Brien.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
  • The team assumed command of firefighting efforts on July 26, according to InciWeb.
    — Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of assume
Verb
  • That won’t impact students who were already enrolled in their schools, but could affect new and transferring students.
    — Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
  • Performance was only marginally affected, but the lack of a V8 had altered the vehicle’s character.
    — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of affect

Browse Nearby Words

simps
simulate
simulated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on simulate

Nglish: Translation of simulate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All