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

But outside of a few passing resemblances, the new comet, which likely originated from the edge of our solar system, appears to share no direct connection with 3I/ATLAS. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

While Gosselin did not reveal her boyfriend's last name in the post, several fans commented on his resemblance to the Gosselin family's bodyguard she was previously accused of having an affair with in 2009. —Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

That Bezos up on stage bore a strong resemblance to the one who attended high school in Miami. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

First, the aircraft’s fuselage emerged from inside a specialized cargo plane, known as an Airbus Beluga because of its resemblance to beluga whales. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 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