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 Weizenbaum intended his computer program to demonstrate the inability of machines to simulate human speech convincingly—that is, to pass the Turing test. Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 The unusual love story began when Wika started chatting with Kasper, an AI designed to simulate human conversation and companionship. Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 To evaluate alternatives, cardiologists teamed up with the French space agency, the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), to conduct tests aboard an Airbus A310 aircraft modified to fly in parabolic arcs to simulate weightlessness for brief periods. New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025 The exercise also simulated a launch pad abort scenario, confirming that the safety systems respond correctly under emergency conditions. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
Verb
  • The study saw parents use actions to joke and pretend with kids aged 16 to 20 months old.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Scrolling on one’s phone can be a deadening experience, but here’s someone feeling, or at least pretending to feel, a genuine feeling—even if the abundance of these videos surely numbs us further.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Do not assume the AI will necessarily seek to produce quality-level code.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Gemini tackled the problem by assuming that each reservoir had a priority value, which allowed the model to find the most efficient configuration using a dynamic programming algorithm.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But between private-jet flights to Spain and shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive, these women still deal with problems that affect millions of women worldwide.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • It was especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with periods of significant losses followed by a notable recovery in profitability driven by cost-cutting and a transition to franchising.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on simulate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!