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 One problem that conventional supercomputers face when simulating a molecule is modeling the interactions between every part of a compound, a problem that grows increasingly difficult the larger a molecule gets. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Oct. 2025 The apparatus is an automatic closed system that incorporates a fermentation vat and a centrifuge to simulate lunar gravity. David Szondy october 19, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025 In 2011, Deconinck and Oliveras simulated different disturbances with higher and higher frequencies and watched what happened to the Stokes waves. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025 In the primary bath, the space is lined with $750,000 worth of ivory onyx tile featuring a $20,000 Toto Zero-Gravity tub that simulates floating. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simulate
Verb
  • Odysseus, the Ithacan warrior who is as celebrated for craftiness as Achilles is for brute strength, devises a clever ruse in which the Greeks place a giant wooden horse outside Troy’s walls and pretend to sail away.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Choose a reason, such as pretending to be someone else.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Such an ambitious agenda assumes a counterpart who is either inclined or compelled to cooperate.
    Neil Thomas, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
  • From there, Olympian water polo player Ashleigh Johnson assumes the roles of beloved figures such as Prince, Tommie Smith, Serena Williams, and Amanda Gorman as Public Enemy’s members trade bars over a rambunctious guitar loop.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hitt also said that tariffs have not significantly affected the business.
    Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Johnson says the concussion affected his ability to concentrate and even altered his personality that year, which dovetailed with the release of his 2010 double album, The Guitar Song.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on simulate

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