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 government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order.
—
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Pos Player Bats 2025 projection RF Mike Trout R
.261, 30 HR, 75 RBI
If the Angels have any semblance of success this year, Trout will need to be healthy and effective.
—Sam Blum, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
That could change as the settlement knocks out the last semblance of amateurism.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The college experience could very soon be one that bears little semblance to the classic picture.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Pos Player Bats 2025 projection RF Mike Trout R
.261, 30 HR, 75 RBI
If the Angels have any semblance of success this year, Trout will need to be healthy and effective.
—Sam Blum, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
That could change as the settlement knocks out the last semblance of amateurism.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The college experience could very soon be one that bears little semblance to the classic picture.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
What To Know According to court documents reviewed by NewsNation, Piccolo is accused of driving up to a woman in Manatee County, stopping his vehicle under the pretense of asking for directions and then exposing himself.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Every year of experience, every successful client outcome, and every new credential or media appearance increases your brand equity and the ROI for your clients.—
Amanda Miller Littlejohn,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The family had alerted fans to the health issue a few days earlier, revealing that Caliente would be stepping back from public appearances after requiring a leg amputation.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Its grand facade, looming over the misty abyss of Tequendama Falls, is the kind of place that invites amazement and a little unease.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
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Fact to know: In collaboration with the Dilworth Historic Commission, the project team used traditional materials and techniques — including the help of a master stonemason with access to original quarries — to ensure consistency with the church’s limestone facade.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But markets are betting on more stimulus being rolled out soon in the face of the escalating China-U.S. trade war.—
Hannah Lang and Rae Wee,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Kandi Burruss, Ace, And Blaze Actress and singer Kandi Burruss was a part of the photo shoot gang too this Easter and shared images of herself making silly faces with her minis Ace and Blaze Tucker.—
Essence,
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Cybercriminals Cyber threat opportunism takes many guises, from ransomware actors leveraging media interest in Elon Musk and DOGE to launch a trillion-dollar attack, to physical attackers using shoulder-surfing techniques to steal your phone and access the data contained within.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Leavitt uses the individual stories to showcase Ukrainian resilience and resistance—themes that appear in many guises, including grassroots relief efforts.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The scientists, led by fossil track specialist Conner Bennett, used advanced 3D imaging techniques to identify and analyze four sets of vertebrate trace fossils, including impressions left behind by prehistoric birds, mammals, lizards and invertebrates.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Chido Obi has made such an impression in fleeting senior cameos that not registering the 17-year-old for the Europa League could be regarded as an oversight.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Interest in the case has swept the country since then, spurring an array of true crime podcasts, movies, television shows and a host of supporters for both Read and O’Keefe.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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The Guardian newspaper reports that the former Doctor Who star – who appeared in the 2005 film adaptation of Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – gave his opinion of Rowling in answer to questions posed by a group of neurodivergent young adults in ITV’s show The Assembly.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That kind of knowledge production has, in effect, been automated.—
D. Graham Burnett,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2025
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Louisiana Louisiana’s law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the state hasn't issued guidance on what documentation residents need.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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