semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: outward and often specious appearance or show : form

wrapped in a semblance of composure

—Harry Hervey

b

: modicum

has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people

—Bayard Rustin

2

: aspect, countenance

3

a

: a phantasmal form : apparition

b

: image, likeness

4

: actual or apparent resemblance

her story bears some semblance to the truth

Synonyms

• act
• airs
• charade
• disguise
• facade
• façade
• front
• guise
• masquerade
• playacting
• pose
• pretense
• pretence
• put-on
• show

Examples of semblance in a Sentence

tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her

a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty

Recent Examples on the Web

Like whistles, any semblance of 3 is internationally known as a signal for help: three fires, three signal panels, and three logs. —Craig Caudill, Field & Stream, 16 Nov. 2023

By Cutting Out The Noise The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones are a game-changer for anyone seeking a semblance of a quiet office environment. —Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023

Seeking any semblance of a spark, coach Tyronn Lue started the second half with a small lineup that played 6-foot-5 Terance Mann in place of starting center Ivica Zubac. —Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2023

Any discord that arose in your friend groups or wider networks this summer should begin to cohere into some semblance of harmony again. —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023

Because plant proteins behave so differently from milk proteins, manufacturers rely on coconut oil, starch, or gums as hardening agents and then add colors and flavors that give the finished product some semblance of cheese. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Oct. 2023

The criteria for their gig include camera-ready affect, demographically checked good looks or youth (interchangeable with some semblance of maturity), and partisan allegiance. —Armond White, National Review, 13 Oct. 2023

As does any semblance of peace within the Cardin family. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2023

His experience has to be filtered enough to be digestible to the white audience and his portrayal must be docile to the point of absurdity, so that the audience can ascribe their own aspirations onto him and see some semblance of his humanity. —Gerald Nesmith, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English semblance, semblaunce "outward appearance, mere appearance, show, facial expression, likeness," borrowed from Anglo-French, "likeness, form, demeanor, resemblance," from sembler "to resemble, seem, appear" (going back to Latin simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, imitate") + -ance, -aunce -ance — more at simulate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s 

1

: outward and often misleading appearance or show

2

: one that resembles another : likeness, image