1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication
a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of semblance
Then, at least, there was a semblance of the country being united.
—
Scott Meslow, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
Disrobed and taken apart, Sophia was carried off, the machinery revealed, any semblance of sentience evaporating the moment the costume came off.
—Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
As Venezuelans attempt to regain a semblance of normalcy after the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro, authorities in the country are cracking down on any show of support to the beleaguered leader’s removal.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Sensing the game might be getting away, Georgia coach Kirby Smart appeared to junk any semblance of conservatism in favor of straight-up gambling in the second half of a quarterfinal College Football Playoff clash against Mississippi at the Sugar Bowl.
—CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Scott Meslow, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
Disrobed and taken apart, Sophia was carried off, the machinery revealed, any semblance of sentience evaporating the moment the costume came off.
—Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
As Venezuelans attempt to regain a semblance of normalcy after the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro, authorities in the country are cracking down on any show of support to the beleaguered leader’s removal.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Sensing the game might be getting away, Georgia coach Kirby Smart appeared to junk any semblance of conservatism in favor of straight-up gambling in the second half of a quarterfinal College Football Playoff clash against Mississippi at the Sugar Bowl.
—CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
Federal officials have declared ICE’s killings lawful and justified over social media without any pretense of a formal review, making statements that are cruel, derogatory, misleading, or simply false.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Investigators say Wilson approached her under the pretense of needing directions.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Press finished her national team career with 155 appearances, ranking ninth all-time in goals scored (64) and 12th in assists (43).—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The decision is a break from the president’s appearance at last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans, which marked the first time a sitting president had attended the National Football League championship game.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Korea Times reported that the agency applied for a free concert with pre filming and media facade production.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Fire damaged the building in July 2022, but didn’t destroy its terra-cotta facade.—
Samuel O’Neal
January 21,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Broncos fans have rallied around their backup quarterback, with thousands of fans changing their social media avatars to a picture of Stidham’s face, photoshopped with sunglasses and headphones, imitating a LeBron James meme.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The officer deploys pepper spray, and Pretti raises his hand and turns his face.—
Hannah Fingerhut,
Twin Cities,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Skechers shoes boast a low-profile silhouette, plus a slip-on design despite their lace-up guise.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
18 Jan. 2026
-
In a partial charade guise arranged by Mike Cristaldi, the team’s vice president of communications, and his longtime TV partner Eric Collins, Curry was the victim of a gotcha moment.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Montha connected on a trio of shots from behind the arc in the second quarter, as the junior point guard did his best Steph Curry impression to help the Tillers to a 33-26 halftime advantage over the Eagles (12-7, 1-1).—
David Delgado,
Oc Register,
7 Jan. 2026
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There’s also the fact that the impression fans or analysts form about a team is often weighted toward the offensive end of the football, and Denver’s sporadic nature on that side of the ball this season has contributed to the lukewarm view some have of the team.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Late Show host Stephen Colbert addressed the FCC’s move in one of his later segments on the show on Thursday.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The 2007 Broadway show, based on the first movie, has received a slew of Tony noms and international revivals.—
Jordan Bako,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The rapid rise of AI technology has had negative effects on the climate and humanity, albeit indirectly.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Eventually, of course, ICE will go elsewhere, but as after a rape, the effects of their occupation will not end with ICE’s departure.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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