simulate

verb

sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt 

simulated; simulating

transitive verb

1

: to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive : imitate

2

: to make a simulation of (something, such as a physical system)

simulative

ˈsim-yə-ˌlā-tiv 

adjective

Did you know?

The zircon, that favorite of home shopping channels, simulates a diamond—more or less. A skilled furrier can dye lower-grade furs to simulate real mink. A skilled actress can simulate a range of emotions from absolute joy to crushing despair. And an apparatus that simulates the hazards of driving while intoxicated is likely to provide some very real benefits.

Synonyms of simulate

• pretend
• assume
• affect

Choose the Right Synonym for simulate

assume, affect, pretend, simulate, feign, counterfeit, sham mean to put on a false or deceptive appearance.

assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

Examples of simulate in a Sentence

The model will be used to simulate the effects of an earthquake.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

Recent Examples on the Web

Others focus on simulating how the sun’s plasma and magnetic fields interact or on how its surface magnetic field changes over time. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025

But for science and education, faithfulness to the real-world dynamics being simulated is arguably more important. —Tharin Pillay, Time, 9 Dec. 2025

Now, a new technology has quietly entered the homes of millions, AI chatbots — computer programs designed to simulate human conversations through text or voice commands. —Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

Some mills are also using tonal or reverse effects within the weave structure to simulate vintage or worn-in looks without additional washes. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin simulātus, similātus, past participle of simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, produce a fraudulent imitation of, imitate," derivative of similis "having characteristics in common, like" — more at similar

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

simulate

verb

sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt 

simulated; simulating

: to give the appearance or effect of : imitate

Medical Definition

simulate

transitive verb

sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt 

simulated; simulating

: to have or produce a symptomatic resemblance to

lesions simulating leprosy

simulation

ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

Legal Definition

simulate

transitive verb

sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt 

simulated; simulating

in the civil law of Louisiana : to make or carry out in a manner that does not express one's true intent

a simulated sale of the debtor's property in which no consideration was paid