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 Yet, as with the childhood game of telephone, what reaches the frontlines often bears little resemblance to the original vision. Andrea Belk Olson, Harvard Business Review, 8 Aug. 2025 The resemblance between the two canines sparked particular amusement. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 Roy’s Brian looks eerily similar to Heughan’s Jamie, and Balfe and Corfield bear a striking resemblance to one another. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2025 Congress funded the missions and may fund them again Presidential budget proposals are wish lists that often bear little resemblance to final congressional budgets. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • In addition to similarities in appearance, the young cowbirds are drawn to the chattering noises of adult female cowbirds (read more here).
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Modi and Trump are populists with ideological similarities and had previously campaigned for each other.
    Salil Tripathi, Time, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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