Definition of resemblancenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resemblance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resemblance are analogy, likeness, similarity, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When might analogy be a better fit than resemblance?

The synonyms analogy and resemblance are sometimes interchangeable, but analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

How are the words likeness and similarity related as synonyms of resemblance?

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

When is it sensible to use similitude instead of resemblance?

The meanings of similitude and resemblance largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of resemblance Santiago’s oldest son Martín bears a striking resemblance to his famous uncle, a living reminder of the inseparable bond the Escobar brothers had. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 1 July 2026 One of the short drama AI actors bore a striking resemblance to superstar Yi Yangqianxi. Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026 In his role at Louis Vuitton, Pharrell has spurred debates over originality over a design with a strong resemblance to the Vans Authentic. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 But each bears some resemblance to her at different stages of life. Judy Berman, Time, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • The idea was to reflect girlhood through different periods of American history, showing the changes and similarities in books and their accompanying dolls and historically accurate outfits.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • If cultural similarity were the sine qua non of syncing up, then homogenous rosters would be the recipe for success.
    Michael Morris, Time, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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