simulate

verb

sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio)
simulated; simulating
Synonyms of simulatenext

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 How to pronounce simulate (audio)
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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
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.
The bear costume, with brown fur, a head shaped like a bear’s, paws and metal hand tools to simulate claw marks, was found in the suspects’ home, officials said. —Phil Helsel, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 For example, the malware can simulate actions that a user would normally take, such as toggling settings or responding to prompts. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Chinese forces staged major cross-service drills around the island shortly after Lai's inauguration in May and again last month, when the People's Liberation Army Navy briefly simulated a blockade. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Picture an insurance company capable of developing a digital twin of the Earth to simulate and better forecast atmospheric and geological risks. —Nathan Warren, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simulate 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of simulate was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near simulate

simular

simulate

simulated

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simulate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

simulate

verb
sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio)
simulated; simulating
: to give the appearance or effect of : imitate

Medical Definition

simulate

transitive verb
sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio)
simulated; simulating
: to have or produce a symptomatic resemblance to
lesions simulating leprosy
simulation
ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulate (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

simulate

transitive verb
sim·​u·​late ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on simulate

Nglish: Translation of simulate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of simulate for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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