resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s How to pronounce resemblance (audio)
1
a
: the quality or state of resembling
especially : correspondence in appearance or superficial qualities
b
: a point of likeness : similarity
2
3
archaic : characteristic appearance
4
obsolete : probability
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His allegations bear a striking resemblance to those made by Michaels, who suffered a career-ending ankle break on the final season of Game of Thrones, four years after Pilgrim’s accident. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2025 In the photos, the proud mom and her daughter bear a strong resemblance, both posing near the pool with big smiles on their faces. Kayla Grant, People.com, 23 June 2025 Artist renderings show a stadium with its five overlapping layers that bears a striking resemblance to Australia’s famed Sydney Opera House. W.g. Ramirez, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 But these success stories bear little resemblance to the way many people and firms understand and use the technology; marketing has far outpaced innovation. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resemblance

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of resemblance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resemblance. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

resemblance

noun
re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s How to pronounce resemblance (audio)
1
a
: the quality or state of resembling : similarity
b
: a point of likeness
2

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

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