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 Shows are not required to ask for exemptions from the equal-time rule, but some have done so in order to avoid any semblance of doubt. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2026 Elsewhere, a megaphone-wielding leader herded dozens of black cats in the style of artist Gary Baseman into some semblance of order. — Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 Ultimately, though, these numbers are more like a course correction, a return to some semblance of normalcy after the hangover of a post-COVID hiring spree. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026 The stories behind each batch of Booker’s range from nebulous to dubious to some semblance of credibility. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for semblance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance

Noun

Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

Swift and Kelce’s big day comes after months of speculation and back-to-back public appearances.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Questions remain over whether the funeral will mark the first public appearance of Mojtaba Khamenei since his father and family members were killed on the first day of the war.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of appearance

Noun

Europe has long resisted air conditioning as noisy, an eyesore on architectural facades and unnecessary, as brutal summer heat has been relatively short-lived.

— Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Original Tuscan columns on the facade were preserved, while interior crown moldings were restored and paired with bleached hardwood chevron floors, new chandeliers, and mantlepieces.

— Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 July 2026

Definition of facade

Noun

The post also included a sweet selfie with her two younger sons, with Mateo smiling widely and Ciro making a silly face for the camera.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Between Bon Jovi being home-ish from the band's Sayreville, New Jersey, roots and also back home on stage, the resonance of the lyrics were apparent on his face.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 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

Suiting up in the desert is the first step for Steinbach and Anderson to leave their impressions on the staff in game action.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
About half of Democrats overall have a favorable impression of Mamdani and only about 1 in 10 have an unfavorable view of him, while the rest, about 39%, don’t have an opinion.

— Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of impression

Noun

Dodgers two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani waddled through the clubhouse after the Dodgers’ 4-3 comeback victory against the Padres on Friday night, the bulging ice wraps around his left knee and right arm creating a penguin-like effect to his gait.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
The airbrush effect is thanks to a blend of polymers that reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines.

— Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Definition of effect

Browse Nearby Words

semaphores

semblance

semblances

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“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of semblance

noun

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