simulate
verb
sim·u·late
ˈsim-yə-ˌlāt 
simulated; simulating
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)
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
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
Maxon's Cinebench 2024 uses the company's Redshift engine to render a complex image, while Geekbench 6.3 Pro from Primate Labs simulates popular apps ranging from PDF rendering and speech recognition to machine learning.
—
PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for simulate 
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.
Dictionary Entries Near simulate
Cite this Entry
“Simulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simulate. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share