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Some common synonyms of simulate<\/em> are affect<\/em><\/a>, assume<\/em><\/a>, counterfeit<\/em><\/a>, feign<\/em><\/a>, pretend<\/em><\/a>, and sham<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to put on a false or deceptive appearance,\" simulate<\/em> suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.<\/p>

\/\/ cosmetics that simulate<\/em> a suntan<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'affect' be used instead of 'simulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words affect<\/em><\/a> and simulate<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, affect<\/em> implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.<\/p>

\/\/ affected<\/em> an interest in art<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'assume' be a good substitute for 'simulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words assume<\/em><\/a> and simulate<\/em> have much in common, assume<\/em> often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.<\/p>

\/\/ assumed<\/em> an air of cheerfulness around the patients<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'counterfeit' be a reasonable alternative to 'simulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words counterfeit<\/em><\/a> and simulate<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, counterfeit<\/em> implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.<\/p>

\/\/ an actor counterfeiting<\/em> drunkenness<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is 'feign' related to other words for 'simulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Feign<\/em><\/a> implies more artful invention than pretend<\/em><\/a>, less specific mimicry than simulate<\/em>.<\/p>

\/\/ feigned<\/em> sickness<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'pretend' a more appropriate choice than 'simulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms pretend<\/em><\/a> and simulate<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but pretend<\/em> implies an overt and sustained false appearance.<\/p>

\/\/ pretended<\/em> that nothing had happened<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'sham' instead of 'simulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of sham<\/em><\/a> and simulate<\/em> largely overlap; however, sham<\/em> implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.<\/p>

\/\/ shammed<\/em> a most unconvincing limp<\/p>" } } ] }

simulate

verb

ˈsim-yÉ™-ËŒlāt 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 As the team explains, their solution isn’t about brute-force simulating everything, but rather focusing on what actually matters. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026 This all comes after Bezos was appointed co-CEO of Project Prometheus, a new startup that is building artificial-intelligence models that are able to understand and simulate the physical world. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2026 The drill involves recruits elevating their heart rates through calisthenics and then simulating hand-to-hand combat with a physically aggressive suspect while wearing a padded suit for protection. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 Like most of the weekend’s events—which also include Throwline, Work Climb, Open Ascent, Speed Climb, and a final Masters’ Challenge for the top five competitors—Aerial Rescue is designed to simulate a day in the life of an arborist. —Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
  1. pretend
  2. assume
  3. affect
Verb
  • An unremarkable skit with host Tina Fey pretending to be Mary Poppins.
    — Scott Bryan, Variety, 22 Mar. 2026
  • That's the county JD Vance pretends to be from.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • Gentry has served Charlotte since 1991 and assumed official leadership of the airport in 2021.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • As explained by the bank earlier in the week, its commodities strategists expect Brent crude to average $105 in March, spike to $115 in April, and then gradually retreat to $80 in the fourth quarter, assuming flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain severely disrupted for roughly six weeks.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of assume
Verb
  • But those programs run up against systemic challenges and the health conditions that disproportionately affect Black women, according to Montgomery.
    — Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
  • People affected by the water main break can get clean water at two different water filling stations in Upper Chichester and Marcus Hook.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of affect

Browse Nearby Words

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simulate
simulated
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Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of simulate for Spanish Speakers

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