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

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 For White Circle, the research aimed to build more sophisticated models that could simulate attacks on other models, Shilov explained. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 Traditional models attempt to simulate the complex physics of Earth’s atmosphere, while AI models look for patterns in historical data to make forecasts. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 14 Oct. 2026 In turn, Philippine authorities temporarily banned GoreBox, a sandbox-style action game that simulates violence and destruction using weapons. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 The technology, which is integrated into a miniature laboratory called CubeLab, was developed by Space Tango and simulates the natural environment in the human body. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate

Verb

Lee ingratiates himself by pretending to be interested in becoming a CO himself — attracted to the manliness and the glamor.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
In a news release, police said that 25-year-old Baldwin Park resident Juan Carlos Amaya contacted the teenage girl via Snapchat and began talking to her while pretending to be 17 years old.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretend

Verb

The film follows a Polish burglar who assumes the identity of a dead stranger’s girlfriend, with unexpected results.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
And, of course, anyone who remembers the optimistic hordes streaming up Michigan Avenue after Barack Obama made his victory speech for president of the United States in Grant Park well knows the local benefits of a Chicagoan assuming the presidency.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of assume

Verb

Miller's new ad opens with a somber sequence of close-ups of various people's faces as the congressman talks about how divorce affects families.

— Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
State officials say those affected are eligible for 24 months of free identity-protection services and identity-restoration help.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of simulate

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