Definition of resemblancenext

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 Their resemblance is uncanny; near carbon copies, some thirty years apart. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 Will’s father, Gary Messer, revealed that Harry had his own take on the figurine’s resemblance. — Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026 Resident Evil 2 fans will most certainly notice a resemblance to William Birkin, the Umbrella scientist whose G-Virus mutations progressively transform him into one of the franchise’s most terrifying bosses. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2026 The controversy also bears a striking resemblance to one Paramount faced three years ago on another reality competition show. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • Even while exposing the sheer otherness of rock and metal, the piece implies that there is an unexpected similarity between us and inanimate things.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Klobuchar noted the similarities in Atlanta’s and Iowa’s team names and accused Schmitt of relying on false information to suggest Smith had secretly traveled to Atlanta.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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