resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s How to pronounce resemblance (audio)
Synonyms of resemblancenext
1
a
: the quality or state of resembling
especially : correspondence in appearance or superficial qualities
The brothers share a family resemblance.
b
: a point of likeness : similarity
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events is coincidental.
2
3
archaic : characteristic appearance
4
obsolete : probability

Synonyms of resemblance

Choose the Right Synonym for resemblance

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father
some similarity between the two cases

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of resemblance in a Sentence

He doesn't look exactly like his father, but there is some resemblance. There is no resemblance between her and her sister.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Finally, scientists have confirmed the new species—and enshrined it in the annals of science as Solenostomus snuffleupagus, a nod to its remarkable resemblance to Big Bird’s beloved friend. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 15 May 2026 The pattern, named for its resemblance to the Greek letter Ω in the jet stream, is slowing the typical west-to-east movement of weather systems. Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 14 May 2026 The North American Nebula shines to the lower left of Deneb, named for its resemblance to the North American continent, while the 120-light-year-wide supernova remnant known as the Cygnus Loop glows closer to the horizon. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 11 May 2026 The design of Eugenie’s ring bears a notable resemblance to her mother’s. Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for resemblance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblaunce, rassemblaunce "likeness, similarity, appearance, image," borrowed from Anglo-French resemblaunce "outward appearance, likeness, similarity," from resembler "to be like, resemble" + -aunce -ance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of resemblance was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resemblance. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

resemblance

noun
re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s How to pronounce resemblance (audio)
1
a
: the quality or state of resembling : similarity
b
: a point of likeness
2

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