: the state of being somewhat like something but not truly or fully the same thing
—usually + of
They found it hard to maintain any semblance of control. [=to maintain any appearance of having control; to maintain any control at all]
Her life finally returned to some semblance of order/normality. [=her life finally became a little more ordered/normal]
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/semblance. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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