resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling ri-ˈzem-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father

2

archaic : to represent as like

Examples of resemble in a Sentence

He strongly resembles his father in appearance and in temperament.

Terrier dogs closely resemble each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the name suggests, this lotion resembles and smells like creamy, fluffy vanilla frosting. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 May 2026

The lamps, with bases resembling ancient Greek horse statues, that now sit on the reception desk once lit up every guest room. —Eleni N. Gage, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026

Rather than targeting flavors, the FDA said its new enforcement approach will focus on vapes with specific youth-appealing features, such as designs that resemble children’s toys. —Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 23 May 2026

Kent & Curwen’s fall 2026 collection, which showed at Westminster School in London in April, was an ode to the posh English collegiate look, full of tennis and cricket sweaters, tweed jackets, and knitwear that sparkled with brooches resembling military regalia. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblen, rasemblen "to be like, compare," borrowed from Anglo-French resembler, rasembler "to be like, appear to be, compare (to)" (also continental Old French), from re- re- + sembler "to look like, seem to be" — more at semblance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for resemble

• semble
• tremble
• assemble
• dissemble
• disassemble
• reassemble

Kids Definition

resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling -b(ə-)liŋ 

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father