seem

verb

ˈsēm 

seemed; seeming; seems

intransitive verb

1

: to appear to the observation or understanding

2

: to give the impression of being

Synonyms of seem

• look
• feel
• sound
• appear

Examples of seem in a Sentence

What they're doing doesn't seem right to me.

I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed.

Recent Examples on the Web

They're also covered in suede, which gives them a similar look to Ugg boots — and reviewers seem to agree. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Both places could seem a bit boring, until the Bennet sisters and their suitors show up. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

Players signing in January seemed to have broken the bank. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Earlier in the game, that joy seemed like a long shot. —Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English semen to appear to be, be fitting, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse sœma to honor, sœmr fitting, samr same — more at same

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seem

• beam
• bream
• cream
• creme
• deem
• dream
• gleam
• meme
• ream
• scheme
• scream
• seam

Kids Definition

seem

verb

ˈsēm 

1

: to give the impression of being : appear

the request seems reasonable

2

a

: to appear to a person's own mind or opinion

can't seem to solve the problem

b

: to appear to be

there seems no reason for worry