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

One of the biggest unveils was the new Junkers A50 Heritage, a vintage-looking aluminum airplane that bears a striking resemblance to the original aircraft founder Hugo Junkers first flew 95 years ago. —Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024

Gossip hounds suspected the other man was Simpson —and that their union produced Khloe, who does bear a striking resemblance to him. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024

Despite its resemblance to a zebra thanks to its striped hindquarters – a likeness that originally duped scientists into classifying them as relatives of the zebra – the okapi shares evolutionary traits with its much taller and lankier cousin. —Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024

So did Alex Garland surprise you with Jessie’s Missouri backstory and its resemblance to your own? —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

In the photos, Moore's daughter bears a striking resemblance to the star, smiling and posing in a few throwback pictures. —Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

This bears a striking resemblance to the Indian government’s recent attempts to evict thousands of Muslims along India’s Eastern border and millions of indigenous people from tribal lands. —Siddhant Adlakha, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

Richie and Madden’s 16-year-old daughter Harlow and 14-year-old son Sparrow made their red carpet debut at the event, posing with their parents and bearing a striking resemblance. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2024

The mansion, modeled after the iconic Disneyland attraction, intentionally dons a striking exterior resemblance to the ride that dates back to 1969, right down to the cast iron detailing and signature wrap around porch. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2024

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

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