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

Western handles have a long and rounded frame, which is more suitable for those who have a Shakehand grip, a grip that resembles you shaking someone’s hand. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

During the total eclipse, the corona will resemble white streams of light, according to NASA. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

An aide whose connection to Sampson is revealed in the closing seconds of this busy installment is played by Chris Owens, who resembles disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner of New York. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026

The switch was revealed when a Secret Service agent resembling Clinton stepped out of Air Force One upon touching down in Pakistan, while Clinton disembarked from the second aircraft. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 12 Aug. 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