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 In a joint study simulating the inclusion of BNPL data with Affirm, FICO found score impacts were generally consistent with the opening of a new account, meaning scores improved or decreased by about 10 points for the majority of consumers. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 28 June 2025 Context windows have grown 100× in two years, enabling models to process entire codebases or simulate workflows in seconds. Dror Berman, Fortune, 27 June 2025 That’s far too coarse to simulate the climate effect of individual clouds and trees, so modelers instead find mathematical shortcuts that approximate those effects. Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025 These observations can feed into geomorphic models that simulate how loosened sediment moves and where hazards are likely to emerge next. Brian J. Yanites, The Conversation, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
Verb
  • Have you ever been contacted by someone pretending to be Elon Musk?
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • The show then cut over to a Good Morning America clip that sees Haines pretend to faint when the superhero swings into frame.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act – assuming the version Senate Republicans passed on Tuesday becomes law–would cut the legs out from under the renewable energy industry.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • So in those circumstances the viewer would, of course, assume that that was that real person’s genitals.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Nearly 3,000 properties nationwide are affected — and a staggering number are right here in South Florida, with Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties at ground zero.
    Peter S. Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Intimate partner violence affects as many as 10 million Americans every year.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simulate. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on simulate

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