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

Revamped in 2014, the rooms seem designed with Audrey Hepburn in mind—fresh yet classic, complete with a chaise lounge by the windows and black-and-white fashion portraits above the bed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026

But that doesn’t seem enough for his critics, who argue that’s why the Steelers can’t beat the Patriots. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

That seemed to hold true Saturday night, as Deen played a full 29-song show with the band in San Antonio, as promised earlier in group members’ social feeds. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Nathan Hanners said trees seemed to fall all around his house, but not on it. — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 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