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 Trump is fully capable of spinning a narrative that would claim one of those preconditions, even while having no resemblance to the truth. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 And the bold look bears a striking resemblance to Kardashian's mother, Kris Jenner, who has been known to rock a similar hairdo. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 Despite his mother’s wish to keep the boy out of the Hollywood spotlight, his resemblance at 16 to his father was such that he was cast as Robert’s younger brother in Thunder Road. Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025 From jokes about his resemblance to former NBA star Delonté West to comments about the cover hurting the album’s streams, Thug’s provocative art, for the first time, landed flat. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • Researchers have long assumed that sulfur isotopes would likely also exhibit these similarities.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
  • While the pressure tactics used by Cruz and Carr have similarities, Rogers said there are also key differences between the legislative and executive branches.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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