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

• similarity

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

Chaves directed her in 2023’s The Nun II, which confirmed that Irene and Lorraine’s resemblance was not just because the roles were being played by real-life sisters. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025

The Heart Nebula is a colossal star-forming region named for its resemblance to a cartoonish representation of the human heart. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2025

The film bears little to no resemblance to Hart's actual life, besides the fact that Mickey Rooney, who stars as Hart, is closer in height to Hart's diminutive 5-foot stature (Rooney beat Hart by two inches). —Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025

Naturalizer Vivienne Ballet Flats These leather ballet flats bear a striking resemblance to ones that Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in recently. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 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