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

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards have come and gone, and amid all the major fashion and major wins, certain standout moments seemed destined to live on forever (in our hearts and in Instagram meme format, at least). —Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026

Baltimore seemed on the verge of answering again. —Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

For now, the answer may seem straightforward. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

Five diamonds seems like a big gamble on this weak a suit, while five hearts might not be right if partner turns out to have a moderate six-card suit. —Arkansas Online, 4 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