Synonym Chooser

How is the word resemblance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resemblance are analogy, likeness, similarity, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When might analogy be a better fit than resemblance?

The synonyms analogy and resemblance are sometimes interchangeable, but analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

How are the words likeness and similarity related as synonyms of resemblance?

Likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father
some similarity between the two cases

When is it sensible to use similitude instead of resemblance?

The meanings of similitude and resemblance largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

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 resemblance But leaders who were involved in dealing with the uprising more than three decades ago say what has unfolded with President Trump’s deployment of soldiers to Los Angeles and surrounding communities bears no resemblance to the coordinated response that took place then. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 Napoleon, the pig who takes despotic control of the farm following the revolution — voiced with haughty gusto by Seth Rogen — bears an uncanny resemblance to the current occupant of the White House. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 No resemblance The recent events in Los Angeles bear no resemblance to Wallace and Alabama’s rejection of federal law and authority. Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 Aside from a few minor departures from the facts, the scene is remarkably accurate, even if the actor Alex Wolff bears minimal resemblance to the real Alvarez, who was tall, blond, and blue-eyed. Alec Nevala-Lee june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • In some cases, the similarities between the Ivy League and prestigious secondary schools are not coincidental, but the result of deep historical ties.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Quilts are also filled, but here the similarities end.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!