simulacrum
noun
sim·u·la·crum
ˌsim-yə-ˈla-krəm 
-ˈlā-
plural simulacra
ˌsim-yə-ˈla-krə
-ˈlā-
also simulacrums
1
: image, representation
a reasonable simulacrum of reality—
Martin Mayer
Martin Mayer2
: an insubstantial form or semblance of something : trace
Did you know?
There is more than a crumb of similarity between simulacrum and simulate: both words come from simulāre, a Latin verb meaning "to pretend, produce a fraudulent imitation of, imitate." At the root of simulāre is the Latin adjective similis, which means "having characteristics in common." Many "similar" words trace back to similis, hence the resemblance between simulacrum and familiar terms like simultaneous, simile, and of course similarity.
Examples of simulacrum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement Grief, Interrupted One possible harm: engagement with digital simulacra of the deceased could complicate the grieving process.
—Tharin Pillay, Time, 27 June 2025
In professional sports like the NBA and the NFL, agents and financial advisors are required to be registered and monitored, providing at least a simulacrum of oversight for athletes navigating the treacherous waters of big-time sports.
—Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
The concert became a simulacrum of the recording instead of the other way around.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2024
For about 40 minutes, the whole thing feels like a simulacrum of another movie, or a movie trailer.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simulacrum
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Tharin Pillay, Time, 27 June 2025
In professional sports like the NBA and the NFL, agents and financial advisors are required to be registered and monitored, providing at least a simulacrum of oversight for athletes navigating the treacherous waters of big-time sports.
—Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
The concert became a simulacrum of the recording instead of the other way around.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2024
For about 40 minutes, the whole thing feels like a simulacrum of another movie, or a movie trailer.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simulacrum
Cite this Entry
“Simulacrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simulacrum. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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