resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling ri-ˈzem-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father

2

archaic : to represent as like

Examples of resemble in a Sentence

He strongly resembles his father in appearance and in temperament.

Terrier dogs closely resemble each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

When viewed from above, the shape of that first layer can resemble the hexagonal honeycomb arrangement or the simple square grid. — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

And at 6-6, 265 pounds as an 18-year-old freshman, Luke probably wouldn’t resemble his forebearers on the football field. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Ellis, a singer whose voice resembled Elvis Presley, had gained a national following for a time as an Elvis impersonator. — CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

The birria Mexican pizza, which resembles a giant quesadilla, is one of the new food and beverage options at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblen, rasemblen "to be like, compare," borrowed from Anglo-French resembler, rasembler "to be like, appear to be, compare (to)" (also continental Old French), from re- re- + sembler "to look like, seem to be" — more at semblance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for resemble

• semble
• tremble
• assemble
• dissemble
• disassemble
• reassemble

Kids Definition

resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling -b(ə-)liŋ 

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father