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 next

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

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 Or at least tire companies like Goodyear do, having amassed enough testing data to be able to simulate them accurately enough to shave months off a development schedule. —

Ars Technica, 15 Jan. 2025 With no way to simulate dust in lunar gravity on Earth, researchers currently only have anecdotal data from Apollo astronauts to help understand how a larger lander might affect the lunar surface. —

Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Jan. 2025 This simulates a surge of salty water during a big storm. —

Patrick Megonigal, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025 The brain sponge was then placed inside a cylinder that was subjected to a blow by a piston to simulate a concussion. —

Michael Franco, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for simulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate

Verb

After the first, McLaurin tried his own idea, which was pretending to pull a mask down over his head.

— Sam Fortier The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Laurel continues to mock both Emily and Ryan, and then pulls out a book to pretend to read to ignore everyone.

— EW.com, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025