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

• pretense
• facade
• guise
• show
• pretence
• pose
• act

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

Their relationship is also unfolding against the backdrop of weakening Senate norms that in the past forced some semblance of bipartisanship. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2025

Elton blew apart any semblance of any musicalboundaries. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025

That’s the case with the Koia’s Elite Coffee drink, which is very much a pea protein shake, with little semblance to an iced coffee. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025

The semblance of a tension began after the Los Angeles Chargers game when Tagovailoa seemingly threw his teammates under the bus. —Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for semblance

• resemblance

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