SEMBLANCE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

semblance

noun

ˈsem-blən(t)s

Definition of semblance

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Noun

Holden eagerly rebels against Pencey Prep, gets the boot, and flees to New York City, a place with its own vices and hazards, but without the sort of propaganda and pretense that obscure the school’s dark underside.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Johnson created the story of Nancy (Emilia Jones), who is not a girlfriend, but a crush who Bourdain foolhardily (and under false pretenses) follows to Provincetown after not getting a writing fellowship.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 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

One such building—the impressive Art-Nouveau mansion that now houses the Egyptian consulate—sits majestically beside the bay, handsomely showing off its columned façade and ornate wrought-iron railings following a complete restoration in 2010.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
The façade was lighted from below by the exterior lights that specified the building, separated it from the other night buildings.

— Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 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 the Giants are likely to pursue catching help this winter, Vitello was comfortable saying that Susac made a solid impression.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
The scratchy, sketchy linework goes for an impression of people and places rather than strictly realistic representation; the backgrounds mostly stripped away.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 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

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Cite this Entry

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“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of semblance

noun

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