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 Many of those closest to any semblance of comprehension may quit to go live in underground bunkers. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026 Smoothly edited by Kossakovsky-regular Ainara Vera, Holy Wood Dust gains a stronger semblance of coherence by the generous use of classical music alongside Adrian Berenguer’s bespoke original soundtrack. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 Entering the third quarter FAMU only scored six points and was looking for any semblance of hope. — Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2026 But doing this while maintaining any semblance of balance in her own life meant giving up a well-paying job as a health care professional. — Jim King, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for semblance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance

Noun

Cinematic pretense and the kinds political leaders and media personalities use to sell ideas are often one and the same.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
For one season, before recovery and routine returned, the players stripped away all pretense and showed their hearts and willpower.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

In Peru under dictatorship, two of three long-time lovers marry for appearances but flee from their conservative rural community for the capital after their secret is exposed by the third.

— Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Controversy followed Kiffin leaving the team prior to their appearance in the College Football Playoff, the circumstances of which Kiffin and Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter have publicly disagreed about.

— Mason Leib, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of appearance

Noun

Pastel Colonial buildings lined the streets, their facades glowing in the afternoon sun, while the plazas hummed with life.

— Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
On the façade of the giant concrete structure that was once intended to solve that problem, a sign written in Russian and Spanish remains visible despite the passing years.

— Juan Carlos López, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of facade

Noun

The witness said Melton hit the victim in the face with a closed fist, the report says.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
On a map, Newfoundland is a vast, asymmetrical island, cloven by bays and inlets, semi-detached to appendages of land deformed by ancient glaciers scraping over it, leaving glacial striations, grooves and gouges on its granite face.

— Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of face

Noun

As critics such as Antonio Candido have remarked, regionalism was at bottom an attempt to render Latin American reality in its dominant rural guise.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

The Bulldogs have made such an impression that Saturday is the first game this season where Mizzou will not enter as the favorite.

— PJ Green September 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Levis made an immediate impression in his first start, throwing four touchdown passes in a victory over Atlanta.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of impression

Noun

The emcee invites the UGT cast onstage to start the magic show Luann has been eagerly anticipating.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
There’s lots of them, and Peter’s quite involved with those as a master of ceremonies and doing his own show as well.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of show

Noun

Any new laws could have a disproportionate effect on the global tech industry because many top AI companies are based in California.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
This manicure features swirly designs in four different shades of brown, creating a beautiful gradient effect that resembles a subtle rainbow at the base of the nails.

— Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of effect

Browse Nearby Words

semaphores

semblance

semblances

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“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of semblance

noun

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