semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
Synonyms of semblance
1
a
: outward and often specious appearance or show : form
… wrapped in a semblance of composure …Harry Hervey
b
: modicum
… has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people …Bayard Rustin
2
3
a
: a phantasmal form : apparition
4
: actual or apparent resemblance
her story bears some semblance to the truth

Examples of semblance in a Sentence

tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty
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.
The tariff refunds will help businesses get back to some semblance of normality. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 Boston’s best scoring chance before that came in the fourth when the Red Sox got men at first and second with one out, but other than that the club couldn’t sustain any semblance of a rally until the game was well out of reach. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 17 May 2026 Although Drake’s clear goal with this triple drop is unloading the clip, there’s a semblance to the sprawl. Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026 Translating Kafka had stripped him of all semblance of tranquillity. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for semblance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English semblance, semblaunce "outward appearance, mere appearance, show, facial expression, likeness," borrowed from Anglo-French, "likeness, form, demeanor, resemblance," from sembler "to resemble, seem, appear" (going back to Latin simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, imitate") + -ance, -aunce -ance — more at simulate

First Known Use

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semblance. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

semblance

noun
sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
1
: outward and often misleading appearance or show
2
: one that resembles another : likeness, image

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