simulate

verb

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

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 Last year, Miko incorporated cherry blossom visuals into her shows to simulate a lush Japanese garden. Frances Solá-Santiago, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 Over the course of 120 days, the researchers heated samples of the material to 212 degrees Fahrenheit to simulate years of wear. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 Marble columns were constructed, as was an area in the balcony where cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto could light the scenes from above to simulate natural lighting. Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024 Practicing under timed conditions simulates the pressure of the actual exam, helping to develop both speed and accuracy. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024 The outpost included models simulating the entrance gates of kibbutzim and other areas that were raided. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Our Milky Way Galaxy may be as much as two billion years older than currently thought, the principal investigator of a unique multi-year project to simulate the galaxy’s origin and evolution, told me here in Santiago. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Forecast models are simulating a very warm and quite wet first half of the month. Matt Rogers, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 In the end, her pregnancy will be simulated, sabotaged or terminated without her knowledge or consent. Amanda Hess, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'simulate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Cite this Entry

“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simulate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 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

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