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 This can be so severe that the US Civil Air Administration once built a chicken gun that used compressed air to fire bird carcasses at airframes to simulate avian impacts. —New Atlas, 9 July 2025 Sprinklers simulate rain, except that sprinkler heads often throw the water horizontally. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 The whole structure could even be rotated to simulate the motion of the stars. —Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025 To do this effectively, the model must map sequences of events onto a timeline and simulate the sensory feedback that different actions would produce. —Tarun Eldho Alias, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
  1. pretend
  2. assume
  3. affect
Verb
  • Dad is the one who's going to pretend to be a predator stalking the child and pretending to be a big, scary monster.
    — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 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
  • Experts have long assumed that the instrument had been destroyed or lost to history.
    — Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 9 (Gould) assumed command of the Marble Complex at 6:00 p.m. on July 5, 2025.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of assume
Verb
  • Is There Any Correlation With Peer Earnings? Occasionally, the performance of peers can affect the stock reaction following earnings.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Helps Protect from Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that affects memory and thinking.
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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