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

Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

The specific angle of the setting sun against the mountain's unique topography creates a shadow that resembles a cougar chasing its prey. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026

The design resembles traditional thermostats that use two metals with different expansion rates to curl as temperatures change. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026

Brickner’s maturation resembles Idaho’s progress as well. —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026

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