Synonyms of simulate

simulate

verb

ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt 

as in to pretend

to present a false appearance of

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pretend
• assume
• affect
• act
• pass (for)
• feign
• make believe
• fake
• put on
• bluff
• conceal
• profess
• pose
• imitate
• forge
• dissemble
• counterfeit
• play
• sham
• impersonate
• masquerade
• let on
• disguise
• camouflage
• dissimulate
• mask
• playact
• feint
• malinger

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

Recent Examples of simulate

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates how light travels and interacts with surfaces to produce realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026

Finally, the team ran genetic algorithms to simulate the evolution of over 50,000 wing patterns, programmed to select for those that created the strongest motion dazzle effects. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026

This booster, however, simulated a landing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. — Brendan Byrne, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026

Ryan Weathers was originally scheduled Friday to simulate two innings in a bullpen session, but the rehabbing Yankees left-hander felt ready to take the next step. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 2026