semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
1
a
: outward and often specious appearance or show : form
wrapped in a semblance of composureHarry Hervey
b
: modicum
has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his peopleBayard Rustin
2
3
a
: a phantasmal form : apparition
4
: actual or apparent resemblance
her story bears some semblance to the truth

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But all the desire in the world didn’t help as Jennings struggled to be some semblance of himself in the loss, with some of the frustration spilling over in a sideline interaction with coach Kyle Shanahan late in the first half. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 When Warner went down in the first quarter, there was the semblance of a shift. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 While playoff baseball has evolved in recent years, making a deep October run still requires some semblance of quality starting pitching. The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Through her restraint, Roberts provokes in us some semblance of empathy for her character – in a movie where everyone else is basically monstrous. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for semblance

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of semblance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semblance. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

semblance

noun
sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
1
: outward and often misleading appearance or show
2
: one that resembles another : likeness, image

More from Merriam-Webster on semblance

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