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

Examples 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 To simulate the pitch conditions that footballers would experience during a match, values were then adjusted for the Universal Thermal Climate Index -- a measure of how the human body responds to the outdoor environment. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2024 Models that simulate atmospheric processes based on physical laws are constantly improving, Juan Ballesteros, a researcher at the Spanish National Research Council, explained in a virtual meeting organized by the Science Media Center of Spain after the Valencia floods. Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024 Maxon's Cinebench 2024 uses the company's Redshift engine to render a complex image, while Geekbench 6.3 Pro from Primate Labs simulates popular apps ranging from PDF rendering and speech recognition to machine learning. PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024 The bear costume, with brown fur, a head shaped like a bear’s, paws and metal hand tools to simulate claw marks, was found in the suspects’ home, officials said. Phil Helsel, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simulate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
Verb
  • For instance, pretending to admire them will go to great lengths, especially compared to providing them with a reality check or confronting them about their mistakes, behavior, or values.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • In 1966, Cole starred with Deborah Walley (Gidget Goes Hawaiian) in the 3D sci-fi film The Bubble and appeared on an episode of Gunsmoke in which his character pretended to be the son of a man killed by Matt Dillon (James Arness).
    Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Looking ahead to 2025, Post pointed to potential optimism surrounding CEO Ariane Gorin, who assumed the role in May 2024, as a possible positive catalyst for the stock.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
  • In fact, Saint Francis used an 8-0 run to assume a 21-17 lead with 10:32 left in the first half.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • These entities will also explore employment opportunities for those affected by the closure of Tropicana Field.
    Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • If Congress passed term limits legislation, instead of an amendment, challenges to that law's constitutionality could be heard by the very justices affected by the bill.
    Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near simulate

Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on simulate

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