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 The live, simulated, or whatever, sort of ran its course. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025 As for the impressive flight sequences, in which Hiccup rides Toothless, the production created an animatronic dragon placed on a giant gimbal that moved on six different axes to simulate the physics of flying. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 The moderate overlap test simulates a head-on collision where the vehicle's front overlaps 40% of a stationary vehicle's width at 40 mph. Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 14 June 2025 Advertisement Read More: The Worst Thing to Say to Someone Who’s Depressed In the June report, the organization stressed that AI tools that simulate human relationships need to be designed with safeguards that mitigate potential harm. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
Verb
  • Diversify vendors, build local backups and stop pretending just-in-time solutions work in a world that’s anything but stable.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • In some of the newest wave of sextortion cases, schemers lure children and young adults into sharing illicit photos by pretending to be someone who's about the same age.
    Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Some may assume that losing teeth is just part of growing older.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Earlier this year, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria fired Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan and personally assumed those day-to-day city responsibilities.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Boozman’s committee was responsible for drafting legislation affecting nutrition assistance and agriculture programs.
    Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 June 2025
  • The layoffs will happen Aug. 22 and only affect part of LPL’s San Diego workforce.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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