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 lighting used on a set – whether to simulate sunlight or shape the atmosphere of an interior – is carefully designed rather than simply recorded. —

Kevin Giraud, Variety, 19 June 2026 Workers can instantly compare options, rewrite plans, simulate outcomes and generate endless variations of a strategy. —

Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 This has become increasingly difficult, with professional players routinely simulating injuries and an offside rule that is interpreted to within fractions of an inch. —

Eric Zillmer, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 What defines us as human beings — creativity, intelligence, expertise, wisdom, experience, emotion, love — all of it may now be simulated by a machine. —

Nancy Colier, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for simulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate

Verb

Barcenas' tea-sipping celebration was a tribute to Alex Morgan, one of the Wave's owners, who pretended to take a sip of tea after scoring in a match against England during the 2019 Women's World Cup.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026

Definition of pretend

Verb

Sweden loses key piece The first half was a sloppy slugfest as both teams tried to use their physicality to assume control.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
John Murphy, president and chief financial officer, will assume the responsibilities in the interim, according to an announcement.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of assume

Verb

Asthma affects 8% of Americans, and is even the cause of 9 to 11 deaths each day, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Visibility lessened as the Cardinals tacked on a third-inning insurance run and, by the sixth inning, clearly began to affect play.

— Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of affect

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simps

simulate

simulated

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“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of simulate

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