seem

verb

ˈsēm 

seemed; seeming; seems

intransitive verb

1

: to appear to the observation or understanding

2

: to give the impression of being

Synonyms of seem

• look
• feel
• sound
• appear

Examples of seem in a Sentence

What they're doing doesn't seem right to me.

I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, no one seems to know what to do when confronted by the real thing. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Some trade analysts were struck by how few tangible accomplishments seemed to come from the meeting. — Michelle L. Price, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

The show seems to hope that the thrill of fan service will do the heavy lifting, shoving one seemingly meaningful cameo appearance after another in front of the camera. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026

This time around, Demna seemed to be speaking more earnestly about glamour and style, and to a customer base that fashion often pretends is not there. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English semen to appear to be, be fitting, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse sœma to honor, sœmr fitting, samr same — more at same

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seem

• beam
• bream
• cream
• creme
• deem
• dream
• gleam
• meme
• ream
• scheme
• scream
• seam

Kids Definition

seem

verb

ˈsēm 

1

: to give the impression of being : appear

the request seems reasonable

2

a

: to appear to a person's own mind or opinion

can't seem to solve the problem

b

: to appear to be

there seems no reason for worry