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
While the wide-leg denim trend is making way for slimmer styles in 2026, most fashion-forward celebs and trendsetters have doubled-down on baggy denim by letting their hems puddle to the ground, as if to viscerally reject any semblance of structure.
—
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Apr. 2026
The lack of food forced his family to make a big sacrifice, but eventually offered a semblance of hope.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
Relief and fear in Iran In Tehran, many residents were outside Friday morning, some meeting for coffee, eager to enjoy a semblance of normal life as many doubted the ceasefire would hold.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
Moscow lacked police, basic services, any semblance of a functional government.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Apr. 2026
The lack of food forced his family to make a big sacrifice, but eventually offered a semblance of hope.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
Relief and fear in Iran In Tehran, many residents were outside Friday morning, some meeting for coffee, eager to enjoy a semblance of normal life as many doubted the ceasefire would hold.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
Moscow lacked police, basic services, any semblance of a functional government.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
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In the movie, members of the narcotics unit face suspicion for allegedly stealing some of the money under false pretenses and for their own benefit.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
The company seems to have dropped any pretence of regular pricing.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Still, his touchdown with a minute remaining in the regular-season finale helped Pittsburgh win its first division title since 2020, and Rodgers secure his his first postseason appearance since 2021.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
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Leaders of the organization say that in an election year, some lawmakers appeared to have prioritized appearances over the state’s long-term economic growth.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Noun
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Stay in a Former Warehouse Meantime, Gibson’s Warehouse is a boutique property with a history of its own, and one that dates to the early 1900s when this inn got its start as a warehouse with a brick façade.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
-
This dual-purpose envelope combines functionality with expressive design, creating a facade that is both energy efficient and visually striking.—
Adam Williams
May 13,
New Atlas,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
White also announced that Paddy Pimblett will return to face Benoit Saint-Denis, and hyped heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson will make his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison.—
Mark Puleo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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The neurologist checked the right side of his face; the better neurologist checked the left.—
Weike Wang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Closing loopholes that allowed sometimes large apartment buildings in backyards under the guise of accessory dwelling units.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2026
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Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Thoughtful touches, like gifting departing guests with delicate shell necklaces, make a lasting impression.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
In his Lipton impression, Ferrell stared down his celebrity guests while asking them intense and pretentious questions.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Noun
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Each game was introduced with a clip from the show that fits it perfectly, starting with the Colts' Week 1 date with the Baltimore Ravens.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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Now, viewers for dramas, comedies and reality shows are harder to come by, because people now have the leeway to watch their favorites at any moment of their own choosing.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
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When asked if the game’s postponement had any effect on the result, head coach Ken Klee shrugged off the suggestion.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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The informal de-escalation went into effect the week before the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced on April 7, Reuters said.—
Sarah Tamimi,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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