seem

verb

ˈsēm 

seemed; seeming; seems

intransitive verb

1

: to appear to the observation or understanding

2

: to give the impression of being

Synonyms of seem

• look
• feel
• sound
• appear

Examples of seem in a Sentence

What they're doing doesn't seem right to me.

I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Maresca seems intent on letting his team’s football do the talking, but perhaps one day that will change. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Nothing seemed amiss with Beloozerov or his job, his son said. — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

The example up for sale also seems to have been barely touched since delivery, and has just 72 miles on the odometer. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026

But a mission that seemed temporary has been extended through January 2029. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English semen to appear to be, be fitting, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse sœma to honor, sœmr fitting, samr same — more at same

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seem

• beam
• bream
• cream
• creme
• deem
• dream
• gleam
• meme
• ream
• scheme
• scream
• seam

Kids Definition

seem

verb

ˈsēm 

1

: to give the impression of being : appear

the request seems reasonable

2

a

: to appear to a person's own mind or opinion

can't seem to solve the problem

b

: to appear to be

there seems no reason for worry