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 If the Raiders have some semblance of a passing game — similar to in 2024, when Jakobi Meyers produced a receiving line of 129-87-1,027-4 — Nailor and Tucker are in the conversation to benefit alongside Brock Bowers. — Jake Ciely, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The department exists to preserve some semblance of equal justice in the United States — imperfectly, haltingly, often overbearingly for some and cautiously for others — and help ensure that the nation is governed by the rule of law. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 Then again, keeping a semblance of tradition in a sport that feels to be in a state of constant change would be refreshing. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling. — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 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
  • Using the pretense of a documentary film crew, the show follows the excruciatingly dull workday experiences of a paper supply company in a drab office in a bleak industrial estate in Slough, England.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Behind closed doors, Chloe gets hired by Melody under the pretense that Chloe is helping her teacher’s illiterate husband learn how to read.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is currently playing in her 26th US Open—making more appearances than any other player in tennis history.
    — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Its activities include track experiences, celebrity appearances, original media content and access to rare cars such as the McLaren GT3X, one of only 15 built.
    — Chris Teague, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of appearance
Noun
  • In 2025, a mini renovation updated the hotel’s façade, added more seating and a second hot tub to the indoor pool area, and refreshed the Gallery Restaurant to give it a more modern feel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • How much Moreno cared about criticism was unclear — though there were cracks in the facade.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of facade
Noun
  • Trout, the face of the franchise, has nonetheless been clear and direct about his desire to remain in Anaheim.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • White County firefighter Will Roper rappelled down the rock face, secured the climber in a harness and attached him to a rope before he was brought to the top of the mountain.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of face
Noun
  • Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With their traditional, legacy rivals — the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur — in various guises of transition, Arsenal are suddenly the team to beat and the Emirates is suddenly a library of sound; noise please.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of guise
Noun
  • After testing multiple new hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, cargo vans, family SUVs and more, here are my top 10 best new vehicles of 2026 so far based on my driving impressions, rankings and overall value propositions.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Ben’s view Analysis of China is often so polarized that a casual observer might get the impression that Beijing is both an unstoppable force on the verge of global domination and a precarious dictatorship on the brink of collapse.
    — Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of impression
Noun
  • Crude-tanker stocks have led the rally, up 120% year-to-date, followed by car carriers, gas carriers and dry-bulk shippers, Lloyd's data show.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The fact that the show couldn’t manage even a modicum of suspense with the same material shows how utterly sauceless this adaptation is.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of show
Noun
  • The extremely small separation between the two graphene systems allowed the screening effect to be much stronger than in earlier experiments.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Diesel also faces higher seasonal demand that is compounding the effects of the supply shortages.
    — Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of effect

Browse Nearby Words

semaphores
semblance
semblances
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Cite this Entry

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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