semblance

noun

ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
Definition of semblancenext
1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 semblance Eagle recognizes the opportunity facing it, but there’s plenty of work to do—not simply to scale up manufacturing, but also, to reach some semblance of cost parity. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 23 July 2026 Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Jones suggested that Armand achieved some semblance of closure. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026 Part of the job, Shakira says, is maintaining some semblance of normalcy. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 19 July 2026 With their winning streak back at zero, San Francisco will once again try to create the momentum necessary to vault themselves back into any semblance of contention. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
  1. pretense
  2. appearance
  3. facade
  4. face
  5. guise
  6. impression
  7. show
  8. effect
Noun
  • The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Before Starlink, someone on a business trip might still decide to expense suboptimal Wi-Fi to keep up the pretense of working.
    — Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • With only 13 appearances last season, Clark’s playing time was severely limited due to a slew of injuries, including a left ankle bone bruise that ultimately ended her season.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • As recently as five years ago, meme users were still mocking Cullen’s sparkling appearance.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of appearance
Noun
  • Upon closer inspection, the facade and interiors alike have details that are unexpectedly progressive.
    — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Hirshman said the Center currently has $5 million in its building fund to fix up West-Park Church’s facade and roof.
    — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of facade
Noun
  • The 18-year old who was thrown to the ground and punched in the face by an Arkansas State Police trooper during a traffic stop near Manila earlier this month has filed a lawsuit against the trooper.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2026
  • However, a whole-brain analysis did show distinct patterns of activity when the dogs saw faces showing the negative emotions.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of face
Noun
  • Somewhere between a sandal and a ballet flat, caged silhouettes come in all manner of guises.
    — Sarah Leigh Bannerman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
  • Everything from the division of the Peaches and the Plums to Shamea’s tagline this season is a secret cry from Shamea to Porsha, begging for attention under the guise of her own emancipation.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of guise
Noun
  • While this may have been KiiiKiii’s first time in North America, their music has left a lasting impression on listeners.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, fans have only seen short clips of Mourinho’s impressions via the club’s in-house media channels.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of impression
Noun
  • The phrase describes a common, temporary condition that research shows affects about 80% of people who give birth.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The project is being made in association with Hathiramani Commercial Ventures and co-produced with investor and entrepreneur Manish Hathiramani, who marks his producing debut with the show.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of show
Noun
  • In winter, splurge for a room with a fireplace for the full mountain retreat effect.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Guest judge Willy Chavarria praises how Jeffrey’s outfit moved (my favorite thing about it), but the strength of Naheim’s tromp l’oeil effect snags him the win, immunity for the next challenge, and $20,000 from Viva.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of effect

Browse Nearby Words

semaphores
semblance
semblances
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of semblance for Spanish Speakers

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