semblance

sem·blance

noun \ˈsem-blən(t)s\

Definition of SEMBLANCE

1

a : outward and often specious appearance or show : form <wrapped in a semblance of composure — Harry Hervey>

b : modicum <has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people — Bayard Rustin>

2

: aspect, countenance

3

a : a phantasmal form : apparition

b : image, likeness

4

: actual or apparent resemblance <her story bears some semblance to the truth>

Examples of SEMBLANCE

1. <tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her>
2. <a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty>

Origin of SEMBLANCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sembler to be like, seem — more at resemble

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SEMBLANCE

Synonyms

act, airs, charade, disguise, facade (also façade), front, guise, playacting, pose, pretense (or pretence), put-on, masquerade, show

Related Words

impersonation, performance, portrayal; image, persona; appearance, color, gloss; camouflage, cloak; affectation, deceit, deception, dissembling, dissimulation, double-dealing, duplicity, fakery, fraud, guile; betrayal, double cross, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, treachery, treason, unfaithfulness; excuse, pretext

Near Antonyms

bluntness, candidness, candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, openheartedness, outspokenness, plainspokenness, sincerity, straightforwardness; artlessness, genuineness, naïveté (also naivete or naiveté)