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

Many working-class red-state voters—for whom Vance’s right-populist brand is designed—seem dismayed by the spike in gas prices and the neglect of problems at home. —Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026

Still, why doesn't the Moon seem to rotate like Earth? —Ray Petelin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026

Wise County District Attorney James Stainton seemed to suggest that covering the camera indicated Horner planned the crime and was looking for an opportunity to take a child. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026

As soon as my partner dug out her poncho, the rain seemed to let up. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 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