resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling ri-ˈzem-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father

2

archaic : to represent as like

Examples of resemble in a Sentence

He strongly resembles his father in appearance and in temperament.

Terrier dogs closely resemble each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

That risk includes the fact that the role required a dramatic physical transformation—involving facial prosthetics to better resemble Kerr, which could’ve diminished his usual appeal. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025

Some dogs show behaviors towards their toys that actually resemble behavioral addictions in humans, including gambling, video games, and our beloved smartphones. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025

Unless something drastic changes, the defense will continue resembling those of the Chad Morris era (those last three words might be redacted within Arkansas state lines). —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025

Hériard Dubreuil kept the name and transformed the space into a multibrand store designed to resemble a residence where brands were mixed to feel like a personal wardrobe, arranged by mood. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblen, rasemblen "to be like, compare," borrowed from Anglo-French resembler, rasembler "to be like, appear to be, compare (to)" (also continental Old French), from re- re- + sembler "to look like, seem to be" — more at semblance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for resemble

• semble
• tremble
• assemble
• dissemble
• disassemble
• reassemble

Kids Definition

resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling -b(ə-)liŋ 

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father