semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
Synonyms of semblancenext
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.
In the month since the January attack, life in the country has returned to a semblance of normalcy, with more activity on the street — and more chatter about the rapid pace in which changes are taking place. Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026 The contest had lost all semblance of order when, with goalkeeper Allison caught upfield chasing an equaliser, Rayan Cherki rolled in a third City goal from inside his own half (above) in the 100th minute. Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Many of these groups rely on programs such as Lifeline to maintain a semblance of communication that is basic yet essential. William Jones, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026 The guests — men and couples — mostly sleep in individual tents that give them a semblance of privacy and autonomy in the packed church sanctuary, Merkley said. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 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 14 Feb. 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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