resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: the quality or state of resembling

especially : correspondence in appearance or superficial qualities

b

: a point of likeness : similarity

2

: representation, image

3

archaic : characteristic appearance

4

obsolete : probability

Synonyms

• common denominator
• commonality
• congruity
• correspondence
• parallel
• similarity
• similitude

Choose the Right Synonym for resemblance

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father

some similarity between the two cases

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of resemblance in a Sentence

He doesn't look exactly like his father, but there is some resemblance.

There is no resemblance between her and her sister.

Recent Examples on the Web

No resemblance The recent events in Los Angeles bear no resemblance to Wallace and Alabama’s rejection of federal law and authority. —Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 11 June 2025

Aside from a few minor departures from the facts, the scene is remarkably accurate, even if the actor Alex Wolff bears minimal resemblance to the real Alvarez, who was tall, blond, and blue-eyed. —Alec Nevala-Lee june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025

What Pritzker has done since bears little resemblance to the original law, and using it as cover for his broader immigration policies is disingenuous at best. —Jason Plummer, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

Those with a keen eye for art and fashion may notice the duplex penthouse’s resemblance to the modern, monochromatic offices of a late iconic fashion designer (known to use red as a neutral) in Manhattan. —World Of Hyatt, AFAR Media, 10 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblaunce, rassemblaunce "likeness, similarity, appearance, image," borrowed from Anglo-French resemblaunce "outward appearance, likeness, similarity," from resembler "to be like, resemble" + -aunce -ance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing resemblance

• bear a resemblance
• close resemblance
• family resemblance

Rhymes for resemblance

• semblance

Kids Definition

resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: the quality or state of resembling : similarity

b

: a point of likeness

2

: representation sense 1