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 Floods, tricksters, battles with monsters, creation and apocalypse—sometimes the resemblances are uncanny. Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 The resemblance of a cat in the car decal was enough to set her off, which sheds light on how dogs perceive the world. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 As shown in a sample obtained by the reseller @hypedsolutions, the mid-top sneaker features shaggy suede overlays with a strong resemblance to the German Army Trainer — or GAT. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 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 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • Unlike nihilism, with which cosmicism shares some similarities, the focus is on how small and incidental humanity is.
    Big Think, Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But Simons points out one similarity.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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