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 The fun snap also showed that the father and son share a striking resemblance. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 3 June 2025 Nickerson became a person of interest in the case just days after Peterson was killed, when he was arrested in an unrelated crime and detectives noticed his booking photo bore a striking resemblance to a police sketch of the teacher’s killer. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 Moonstone — named for its resemblance to the soft, cloudy light of the moon — anchors British jewelry label Anoona’s Lunar collection. Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 29 May 2025 For a royal family that has often been criticized for being out of touch, this is a great look, and proof that perhaps William’s resemblance to his mother goes beyond his features. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 2 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

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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