What does "simulation" mean?
Something that simulates a system or environment in order to predict actual behaviour.
Simulation
/ˌsɪm.jʊˈleɪ.ʃn̩/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something that simulates a system or environment in order to predict actual behaviour.
- Grammar: simulation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: feigning, imitation, model, pretense.
- Useful contrasts: actuality, genuineness, reality.
- Usage evidence: The numerical values shown above derive from Hobson's simulation.
How to use "simulation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "simulation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "simulation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "simulation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "simulation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "simulation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "feigning" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "simulation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something that simulates a system or environment in order to predict actual behaviour. countable, uncountable
"This exercise is a simulation of actual battle conditions."
- 2 the act of giving a false appearance wordnet
- 3 The process of simulating. countable, uncountable
"Despite extensive simulation in the design phase, the aircraft failed to behave as expected."
- 4 the act of imitating the behavior of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous (especially for the purpose of study or personnel training) wordnet
- 5 A video game designed to convey a more or less realistic experience, as of a sport or warfare. countable, uncountable
"Some kids in the classroom will be playing simulations after school."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 representation of something (sometimes on a smaller scale) wordnet
- 7 Assuming an appearance which is feigned, or not true. countable, uncountable
"For to him that opens himself, Men will hardly shew themselves averse, but will (fair) let him go on, and turn their freedom of speech to freedom of thought. And therefore it is a good shrewd Proverb of the Spaniard, Tell a lye, and find a Troth; as if there were no way of discovery, but by Simulation."
- 8 (computer science) the technique of representing the real world by a computer program wordnet
- 9 The act of falling over in order to be awarded a foul, when no foul has been committed. countable, uncountable
""Players are very good at simulation," said Premier League referee Graham Poll. "I'm not saying they do practice, but I find it hard to believe they are so good at something without practicing. We have to issue more cards because it is the only way we can stop simulation spoiling the game. It is a cancer.""
Antonyms
Example
"The numerical values shown above derive from Hobson's simulation."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "simulation"?
Common synonyms include: feigning, imitation, model, pretense, replica, accordance.
How do you use "simulation" in a sentence?
The numerical values shown above derive from Hobson's simulation.
How do you pronounce "simulation"?
Pronounced /ˌsɪm.jʊˈleɪ.ʃn̩/.
Etymology
First attested in 1340 as Middle English symulacioun, from Middle French simulation, from Old French simulation/simulacion, from Latin simulātiōnem, from simulō (“imitate”). Morphologically simulate + -ion.