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
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Recent Examples of semblance
The Bulls returned to a vague semblance of their former selves with guards Giddey and Jones back on the court.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Casey, a Norman-Reedus-brooder-type with sharp instincts and a semblance of social manners that probably have saved his hide in previous travels, makes for a ruthless villain.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
Gibbs-Lawhorn’s miss meant the Broncos held some semblance of life, but judging by the mood shift around ExtraMile Arena, the game’s result felt like it had already been decided.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
In O’Sullivan’s story these two come together, however haltingly at first, out of necessity for both just to go on and find a semblance of their lives without Callie.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Casey, a Norman-Reedus-brooder-type with sharp instincts and a semblance of social manners that probably have saved his hide in previous travels, makes for a ruthless villain.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
Gibbs-Lawhorn’s miss meant the Broncos held some semblance of life, but judging by the mood shift around ExtraMile Arena, the game’s result felt like it had already been decided.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
In O’Sullivan’s story these two come together, however haltingly at first, out of necessity for both just to go on and find a semblance of their lives without Callie.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
So, since October 7th, there has not been even a pretense of a buffer between the violent settlers and the Army.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
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With most of the master’s level degrees, any pretense of value beyond rendering the prospective students more salable in the workforce is often dispensed with entirely.—
James Cramer,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Oklahoma State had lost in the first round in its last two March Madness appearances.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Niacinamide brightens the look of dark circles, while adenosine smooths the appearance of wrinkles over time.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Via Mormino Penna is one of Sicily’s most theatrical streetscapes, lined with facades adorned with apotropaic masks, grotesque faces meant to ward off evil.—
Jenn Rice,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2026
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For a long time, the property gleamed in the daylight with its white, ornate facade against lush green landscaping and often at night, as well, with twinkling holiday lights attached to almost every surface.—
Heather McRea,
Oc Register,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Among the news articles and pamphlets was a flier with a photo of Stephen Miller's face circled in red with a line through it.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Even with its thick, cushiony texture, the fragrance-free formula sinks in quickly on both face and body.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Department of the Treasury last Thursday designated Hayat Yolu as a key player in a covert global network that uses the guise of humanitarian aid to raise money overseas.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
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But sometimes the squashing of speech can appear in other guises.—
Andrea Valdez,
The Atlantic,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Externally, the Broncos’ lack of activity gives the impression of an organization that is relying fully on its Payton-era foundation for a Super Bowl leap, for better or for worse.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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His performances reflect a unique perspective, a vision that goes beyond the notes on the page, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The musicians reunite for a show alongside Irreversible Entanglements, a free-jazz collective led by the poet-musician-educator Moor Mother (Camae Ayewa).—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
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While fans packed free concerts from the Lumineers and Orville Peck, Los Lobos — one of the biggest Chicano bands of the last 50 years — played a free show at the Downright Austin that was smaller than expected, considering the broad interest from Austin's Hispanic community.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The infinity pool is practically on top of the shoreline, creating that Instagram-worthy effect where the water appears to spill directly into the bay.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
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In effect, Denver may now be subsidizing fire service in both cities.—
Brian Maass,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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