SEMBLANCE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

semblance

noun

ˈsem-blən(t)s

Definition of semblance

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of semblance Only during two periods — for 18 to 24 months under Hughes, and five months in 2022 under Ward — has there been any semblance of stability in that role. — James Pearce, New York Times, 15 July 2026 There are no guarantees in life, but that hasn’t stopped mankind from consistently searching for some semblance of security. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 July 2026 The group’s mission to reunite people with their treasures and, in some cases, to offer a semblance of closure was also multiplied beyond the Facebook effort. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 While en route to ship out on a Nantucket whaler, Ishmael spends a night at New Bedford’s Spouter-Inn, a night which quickly takes on the semblance of stage farce. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for semblance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance

Noun

Everything else is pretense; the diplomat is pretense; the Hand of the King, there’s a level of pretense; Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, there’s a level of pretense.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
When Moore finally abandons the pretense and focuses in earnest on his presidential ambitions, the damage to Maryland will be incalculable and likely irreparable.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

The event is a free, two-night fan festival featuring interactive fan zones, live music, games, player appearances, giveaways and an MLS watch party.

— Alex Zietlow July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
Thorns forward Morgan Weaver made her first appearance since November 2024, drawing a standing ovation from the 21,743 fans at Portland's Providence Park.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026

Definition of appearance

Noun

Sporting a classic, seemingly untouched facade, the old building was a sight to behold for both of us.

— Raj Tawney, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Leandro Erlich, Bâtiment, 2004, a building facade laid flat beneath a mirror suspended at a 45-degree angle, 930 x 806 x 1445 cm.

— Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of facade

Noun

One had to undergo emergency surgery to combat a life-threatening infection; the other required a surgeon to reconstruct the left side of her face, which had become paralyzed.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Familiar faces like Derrick Brown, Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan and Jaycee Horn will take the field this week for the start of training camp, but there will be some notable new faces added to the mix.

— Mike Kaye July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Definition of face

Noun

Somewhere between a sandal and a ballet flat, caged silhouettes come in all manner of guises.

— Sarah Leigh Bannerman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Everything from the division of the Peaches and the Plums to Shamea’s tagline this season is a secret cry from Shamea to Porsha, begging for attention under the guise of her own emancipation.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

Liverpool Kevin Keegan’s first meeting with legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly left a lasting impression.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Slawon’s first impression was polarizing in that his shots weren’t falling, but every other aspect of the game went well.

— Tony East, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of impression

Noun

Boise State football held its summer media day on Wednesday afternoon, opening up coaches and 10 players to a cascade of questions, from in-depth positional breakdowns to each player’s favorite childhood TV show.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale is home to the longest-running Polynesian show in the country.

— Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of show

Noun

Firefighters and authorities in both European countries were caught off guard by the virulence of the fires, which were fueled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of climate change.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
The voucher effect The state’s voucher expansion has had a profound impact on the growth of Catholic schools.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of effect

Browse Nearby Words

semaphores

semblance

semblances

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of semblance

noun

Example Sentences

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