1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication
a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of semblance
Casey, a Norman-Reedus-brooder-type with sharp instincts and a semblance of social manners that probably have saved his hide in previous travels, makes for a ruthless villain.
—
Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
Gibbs-Lawhorn’s miss meant the Broncos held some semblance of life, but judging by the mood shift around ExtraMile Arena, the game’s result felt like it had already been decided.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
In O’Sullivan’s story these two come together, however haltingly at first, out of necessity for both just to go on and find a semblance of their lives without Callie.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
The contest had lost all semblance of order when, with goalkeeper Allison caught upfield chasing an equaliser, Rayan Cherki rolled in a third City goal from inside his own half (above) in the 100th minute.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
Gibbs-Lawhorn’s miss meant the Broncos held some semblance of life, but judging by the mood shift around ExtraMile Arena, the game’s result felt like it had already been decided.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
In O’Sullivan’s story these two come together, however haltingly at first, out of necessity for both just to go on and find a semblance of their lives without Callie.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
The contest had lost all semblance of order when, with goalkeeper Allison caught upfield chasing an equaliser, Rayan Cherki rolled in a third City goal from inside his own half (above) in the 100th minute.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
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This shocking cowardice and sheer abandonment of any pretense of ethics or values are rendered even more shameful when considering that Noem was brought down by polls, likely more than anything else.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
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What is beauty if not precisely the property that provokes us to abandon all pretense of analytic remove in our desperation to draw closer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Murray clinched Denver’s first NBA Finals appearance with a defensive stop on LeBron James in the Lakers’ house.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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After Tyler Hastings’ state semifinal game-winner to down Duncanville, the team capitalized on Fort Worth’s first title appearance since 2018.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The façade recalls traditional earthen walls and is studded with tile fragments and artifacts unearthed during construction.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
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While this might create a show-stopping facade, bigger isn’t always better.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nearly everything Noma does is news; the restaurant’s influence—and that of its head chef, co-owner, and public face, René Redzepi—sends ripples through the culinary world like a rogue moon.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
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And eventually ate enough clock late, in the face of a furious Northfield press, to put the Nighthawks away.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Emma Roberts has tested nearly every possible blonde, and this bright, warm oatmeal suits her complexion while honoring the old money trend in personalized guise.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
-
This moment will come in many guises.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Externally, the Broncos’ lack of activity gives the impression of an organization that is relying fully on its Payton-era foundation for a Super Bowl leap, for better or for worse.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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His performances reflect a unique perspective, a vision that goes beyond the notes on the page, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In each show, the two nitwits would set out on some caper, which would inevitably go horribly wrong, leaving them broke, or tied up, or in jail, or hanging over a cliff, or some other situation of great peril.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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With style, grace and a lot of love, the Lower Merion High School figure skating duo of Justin and Suri Lue know how to put on a cutting-edge show.—
Krystle Rich,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Kirk, 33, was sentenced to four months in prison and had his certification as a law enforcement officer revoked by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, in effect banning him from working as a police officer in the state.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued across the Chicago area, and a thunderstorm watch went into effect in parts of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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