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simulate

verb
sim·​u·​late | \ ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio) \
simulated; simulating

Definition of simulate

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)
Other Words from simulate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about simulate

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Other Words from simulate

simulative \ ˈsim-​yə-​ˌlā-​tiv How to pronounce simulative (audio) \ adjective

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

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.

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

 That attraction simulates the flight of the ship, with Hollywood Studios guests piloting a mission. — Dewayne Bevil, orlandosentinel.com, "Disney Star Wars: Getting a grip on Galaxy’s Edge, a primer," 27 Aug. 2019 The tech simulates lightning, thunder, rain, fog, even explosions and the low rumble of a passing car’s engine. — John Meyer, The Know, "Colorado Parks and Wildlife will begin issuing 2019 hunting reservations later this month," 6 Aug. 2019 Its players often simulate military actions and wear camouflage. — New York Times, "What We Know About Canadian Teenagers Suspected of Killing Traveling Couple," 24 July 2019 The game simulated India’s national electoral process highlighting ugly tactics the political parties deploy to win elections. — Sangeeta Tanwar, Quartz India, "A board game, inspired by a film on Arvind Kejriwal, offers a close look at Indian politics," 16 July 2019 The models in question simulate weather across the entire planet, but if the scientists were to use all the variables and data possible, even supercomputers wouldn’t be able to handle it. — Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, "Hurricanes: How These Destructive Storms Form, and Why They Get So Strong," 26 June 2019 Above-ground walkways draped in white tarps simulate tunnels running between buildings. — David Kelly, latimes.com, "Life on Mars gets a test run in the Utah desert," 23 June 2019 During the Chanel show, the models simulated a protest for gender equality. #BestThingEver! — Ariel Nagi, Seventeen, "Celeb Fashion," 30 Sep. 2014 The chemists then used the tip of an atomic force microscope to zap off the CO groups, eventually removing them all to create their 18-carbon ring (simulated above). — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "Carbon atoms marry to form first-ever ring," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'simulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of simulate

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for simulate

Latin simulatus, past participle of simulare to copy, represent, feign, from similis like — more at same

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More Definitions for simulate

simulate

verb
How to pronounce simulate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of simulate

: to look, feel, or behave like (something)

See the full definition for simulate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

simulate

transitive verb
sim·​u·​late | \ ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio) \
simulated; simulating

Medical Definition of simulate

: to have or produce a symptomatic resemblance to lesions simulating leprosy

Other Words from simulate

simulation \ ˌsim-​yə-​ˈlā-​shən How to pronounce simulation (audio) \ noun

simulate

transitive verb
sim·​u·​late | \ ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce simulate (audio) \
simulated; simulating

Legal Definition of simulate

in the civil law

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