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 Weizenbaum intended his computer program to demonstrate the inability of machines to simulate human speech convincingly—that is, to pass the Turing test. —Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 The unusual love story began when Wika started chatting with Kasper, an AI designed to simulate human conversation and companionship. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 To evaluate alternatives, cardiologists teamed up with the French space agency, the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), to conduct tests aboard an Airbus A310 aircraft modified to fly in parabolic arcs to simulate weightlessness for brief periods. —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025 The exercise also simulated a launch pad abort scenario, confirming that the safety systems respond correctly under emergency conditions. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
  1. pretend
  2. assume
  3. affect
Verb
  • The challenge is to stop pretending the current tools give full control and start demanding real visibility.
    — Jagadeesh Kunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Kelley susses out that Göring is pretending not to understand or speak English, and for a couple of scenes that gives the shrink a leg up.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • That’s assuming no more Fed officials are fired, which could change the trajectory of monetary policy for the next few years.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • A lot of people assume that individuals make conscious decisions that lead to these outcomes.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of assume
Verb
  • If $3 billion in additional funding through 2090 isn't approved, and soon, tens of thousands of people from different genders, races and cultural backgrounds will be affected.
    — Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Exchange rates affect everything from groceries to retirement.
    — Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of affect

Browse Nearby Words

simps
simulate
simulated
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Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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