SEMBLANCE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

semblance

noun

ˈsem-blən(t)s

Definition of semblance

as in pretense

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of semblance Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sark will always seek balance or a semblance of it. — Sports Columnist, Austin American Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026 Majidi’s matter-of-fact style of shooting underlines the cold reality that Soulan tries to navigate, and strips away any semblance of potential didacticism. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 While there is some semblance of natural resource extraction, such as timber, seafood catches and cranberries, for the most part, the coastal town of about 1,400 people has had to pivot to invigorate the economy. — Saige Miller, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 The city’s population is growing and the only real way to preserve any semblance of affordability and keep residents — both longstanding and newcomers — is to have enough housing for everyone. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for semblance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance

Noun

Shirley has since visited other states in the US under similar pretenses, showing up unannounced to grocery stores and hospice centers in search of evidence of fraud.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026
The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

Despite their harmless appearance, these exercises encouraged behaviors associated with manipulation and resistance to oversight.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
His Iowa appearance was moved from Dubuque to Cedar Rapids, only for plans to shift back to Dubuque hours later, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of appearance

Noun

There are two new faces leading South Florida’s historically Black districts, but neither is much of a surprise to voters in the deeply Democratic districts.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
The agent appeared to point their gun at the neighbor’s face before shoving him into a row of hedges.

— Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of face

Noun

The guise of a youthful flush In those early episodes, Cathy’s makeup had to mirror her hair’s equally nonthreatening appearance, so a fresh, skin-first look was important.

— Katie Gunderman, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
Under his guise of Guy With a Movie Camera, he’s been hired by studios and streamers to help promote their projects with his particular brand of BTS content.

— Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

Ofl the newcomers on the roster, junior guard Trent Lincoln and sophomore forward DJ Thomas made the strongest first impressions.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
A lot of these orderly compositions soon give off the impression of a cage — if Mari Kusu’s performance as Takeshi’s mother, bristling with frustration, didn’t already imply as much.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of impression

Noun

This weekend's shows fell during the ceasefire, but the company plans to perform next weekend as usual, even as local officials warn that Russian forces have brought in more weapons and personnel and some residents expect shelling to intensify.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Hoffman got on the video call Friday wearing a T-shirt featuring the lovers in the TV show Heated Rivalry.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of show

Noun

The method is precise, but the effect is unruly, as if the chainsaws are really back there somewhere inside the speaker, about to slash through the cone.

— Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
But whether researchers intended to serve their funders’ agenda on CCS or not, some say the effect has been undeniable.

— Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of effect

Browse Nearby Words

semaphores

semblance

semblances

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of semblance

noun

Example Sentences

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