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

The brothers share a family resemblance.

b

: a point of likeness : similarity

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events is coincidental.

2

: representation, image

3

archaic : characteristic appearance

4

obsolete : probability

Synonyms of resemblance

• 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

The park bears a striking resemblance to the town square in Gilmore Girls, replete with a beautiful gazebo perfect for people watching. —Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

Over the past few seasons, whenever the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles have been on national television, Foligno has been inundated with text messages from friends and family who have noticed Foligno’s stunning resemblance to Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

Eniiyi is born on the day her mom’s cousin is buried — and the resemblance is uncanny. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025

Barton’s story bears a striking resemblance to the narrative outlined in Corcoran’s legal claim and suggests the franchise was enjoying demonstrable success at a time that could be critical to determining if and how much she is owed. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 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