simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
Synonyms of simulationnext
1
: the act or process of simulating
2
: a sham object : counterfeit
3
a
: the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another
a computer simulation of an industrial process
b
: examination of a problem often not subject to direct experimentation by means of a simulating device

Examples of simulation in a Sentence

a computer simulation of spaceflight a simulation of the planet's surface They use computer simulation to predict weather conditions.
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.
Combining real-world robot experience with simulation also provides additional opportunities to practice tasks without relying entirely on physical trials. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026 The flame simulation never repeats and is unique to each candle since it’s being generated on the fly at all times. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026 An engineer can define a problem, then ask an artificial intelligence tool to search relevant research and technical standards, generate design options, test them in simulation, and compare the results. — Sufian Aldogom, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Oct. 2026 According to the company, its simulation tools can reproduce the equivalent of 100 years of driving in a single day. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simulation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simulacioun "insincerity, pretense, deceit," borrowed from Anglo-French simulacion, borrowed from Latin simulātiōn-, simulātiō "act of copying, putting on an appearance, pretense," from simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, produce a fraudulent imitation of, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at simulate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of simulation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for simulation

See All Rhymes for simulation

Browse Nearby Words

simulated rank
simulation
simulator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simulation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

simulation

noun
sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
1
: the act or process of simulating
2
: an object that is not genuine
3
: the imitation by one system or process of the way in which another system or process works
a computer simulation of spaceflight

Legal Definition

simulation

noun
sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
1
in the civil law of Louisiana
2
: the act of simulating
3
: a contract that by mutual agreement does not express the true intent of the parties see also counterletter compare disguised donation at donation

Note: Although a simulation does not have effect as between the parties, its lack of effect may not be asserted against third parties, such as creditors or bona fide purchasers, to avoid liability.

More from Merriam-Webster on simulation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for simulation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about simulation

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