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

Neutral tones, rattan and brown leather furnishings, and antique-style wooden pieces characterise each indoor space so elegantly that interiors barely resemble a tent at all. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

The walls and ceilings are decorated with wood, stone and steel — with elements that resemble Idaho, according to Burke. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026

Though the tension is supercharged by the Kennedy name and the characters’ mutual fame, the fight itself resembles any ordinary couple bickering about their in-laws and lost spark. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026

Politically incorrect and in-your-face, with plenty of dark humor accentuating the drama, the show resembles the more cutting-edge TV — think Borgen or Rita — made by Sweden’s ruder neighbor Denmark. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 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