simulated

British  

/ ˈsɪmjʊˌleɪtɪd /

adjective

1. (of fur, leather, pearls, etc) being an imitation of the genuine article, usually made from cheaper material

2. (of actions, qualities, emotions, etc) imitated; feigned

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Explanation

A simulated thing pretends to be something it’s not, like a fire drill with fake smoke. Relax, it’s only a simulated emergency, created to feel exactly like the real thing. Simulated and similar have the same Latin root (similis), and a simulated situation is similar to the original, like a theme park that feels like India when you’re actually in Florida. Emotions can be simulated too, like your simulated sadness when you just want to get out of trouble. The word implies fakeness, but not always in a bad way. A simulated airflight video game can teach you how to fly without the negative side effects of crashing and dying.

Example Sentences

"This is what scientists usually assume in large-scale simulated models of the Universe, but it has been hard to confirm by observation until now."

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

He got his patients to wear elastic bands - which simulated resistance - while doing a series of exercises that would strengthen their core.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Abrams’ company Bad Robot, one of which will end with a simulated launch.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

They recall those August days in Washington, where Ukrainian specialists had come to demonstrate their expertise and had simulated, coincidentally, an Iranian attack on Qatar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The Mercury broadcast simulated news bulletins, which radio listeners trusted.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow