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
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
The contest had lost all semblance of order when, with goalkeeper Allison caught upfield chasing an equaliser, Rayan Cherki rolled in a third City goal from inside his own half (above) in the 100th minute.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Many of these groups rely on programs such as Lifeline to maintain a semblance of communication that is basic yet essential.
—William Jones, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
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
The contest had lost all semblance of order when, with goalkeeper Allison caught upfield chasing an equaliser, Rayan Cherki rolled in a third City goal from inside his own half (above) in the 100th minute.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Many of these groups rely on programs such as Lifeline to maintain a semblance of communication that is basic yet essential.
—William Jones, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
That exchange — brief, respectful, zero pretense — is part of what makes the content feel different from a standard celebrity interview.—
Ryan Brennan
March 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
-
There was little pretense at closing time on Tuesday night, when the Milwaukee Bucks set about closing out the Miami Heat.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Neither team scored until Martinez used assists from Stephen Eustáquio and defender Sergi Palencia in the 55th minute to find the net for the first time this season and for the ninth time in the 20-year-old’s 49th appearance and 20th start.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Frederick’s assist was his first in his 13th career appearance.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The hotel was knocked down in 2005 to make way for the Las Olas Beach Club condo, but the facade was preserved thanks to intervention by historic preservationists.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Though the building’s façade still retains its iconic scalloped awning, the logo has been replaced with that of a high-end menswear store.—
Taran Dugal,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This cooling rollerball feels like coffee for your face.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Over the past year, assaults against ICE personnel have risen 8,000%, according to the DHS, and federal police have opted to hide their faces and identities while working in public.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Emma Roberts has tested nearly every possible blonde, and this bright, warm oatmeal suits her complexion while honoring the old money trend in personalized guise.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
-
This moment will come in many guises.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This was the era when the monarchy was terminated, ushering in a Marxist government that changed the face of the country and left a lasting impression on the world at large.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Khouloud Al Mannai knows there is one thing that can leave an unshakable first — and lasting impression — on any city.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ahead of the show’s final season premiere, The Times spoke with Balfe and Heughan to get their thoughts on bringing the historical romance to life and the journey to reach the final chapter.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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The show's network, CBS, announced in July that the upcoming season would be the franchise's last.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And for now, the potential economic effects of war in the Middle East are a more immediate concern than longer-term effects from AI.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
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Whether the millage is extended or not won't have any effect on the half-penny sales tax voters approved in 2020 to pay for school construction and repairs.—
Steve Patterson,
Florida Times-Union,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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