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
The administration has not produced any semblance of a plan that would free the Iranians from oppression and install a democratic government.
—
Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
Yet Florida showed no semblance of complacency.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
There was a concerted effort to demonize anyone who refused to panic and continue with their daily lives and maintain a semblance of normalcy.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Independent reporting is the only way the American people can find any semblance of the truth.
—Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
Yet Florida showed no semblance of complacency.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
There was a concerted effort to demonize anyone who refused to panic and continue with their daily lives and maintain a semblance of normalcy.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Independent reporting is the only way the American people can find any semblance of the truth.
—Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
The case also ties to an earlier incident on March 24, when police say Alexander approached a woman under the pretense of asking for directions while engaging in indecent behavior.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Maybe the pretense was comforting to him, too.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Through the first eight games, the Angels have struck out in 31% of their plate appearances, which is even worse than last year’s 27% rate.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Koss, interestingly enough, made his first pitching appearance this season before getting his first at-bat.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Set the scene At a cobblestoned intersection in the Tribeca North Historic District, an industrialist red brick facade gives way to eight floors of ethereal Art Deco interior design straight out of the South of France.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Future plans include repurposing the building’s former drive-thru lane into an outdoor cafe and adding new jellyfish murals to its front facade.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of his favorite treats is Oreo cookies, which always bring a smile to his face.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The Kings came into the game stressing a good start, having been outscored 5-1 in the first period of their previous three outings, and instead face planted to spot the Maple Leafs a 2-0 lead through 20 minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In its many guises, idolatry has survived, despite regular and often cataclysmic proof of its dangers, for centuries and many people will consider a much-larger-than-life golden statue of a president to be perfectly splendid.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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The Department of the Treasury last Thursday designated Hayat Yolu as a key player in a covert global network that uses the guise of humanitarian aid to raise money overseas.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
They’re paid based on the CPM, which refers to the cost per 1,000 impressions.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
-
As first impressions go, this was the equivalent of forgetting a date’s name, checking the phone while ordering, and deciding to talk religion and politics over dessert.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
It’s directed by Linus O’Brien, the son of Richard O’Brien, the British New Zealander who wrote the show (and played Riff Raff) and then went on a gender odyssey.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Its top show was Cuomo, which averaged 289,000 viewers, up 65%, and 45,000 among adults 25-54, up 114%.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As much as Besler anticipates that upbeat effect for others, there will be something new in this for him, too.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The alert was issued Tuesday and remains in effect through Saturday, April 11, officials said.—
Mark Price
April 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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