1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication
a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of semblance
Use laddering to maintain a semblance of liquidity and flexibility.
—
True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Two years ago the Red Sox rotation was young and untested, with Crawford, Brayan Bello and Tanner Houck leading a group that lacked any semblance of depth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
The Senate’s failure to pass FANFSA, combined with RISAA’s passage, was a worst-case scenario come true for those fighting to preserve some semblance of Fourth Amendment rights for Americans.
—Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Then, at least, there was a semblance of the country being united.
—Scott Meslow, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Two years ago the Red Sox rotation was young and untested, with Crawford, Brayan Bello and Tanner Houck leading a group that lacked any semblance of depth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
The Senate’s failure to pass FANFSA, combined with RISAA’s passage, was a worst-case scenario come true for those fighting to preserve some semblance of Fourth Amendment rights for Americans.
—Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Then, at least, there was a semblance of the country being united.
—Scott Meslow, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
This is not an e-bike; there are no pedals and, interestingly, no pretense of a bicycle categorization to blur regulatory lines.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Wang faces four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious injury, one count of kidnapping, and two counts of larceny over $1,200 by false pretense.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
-
And this is exactly what the actress has done in her latest appearance.—
Arancha Gamo,
Glamour,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Underground work on the plaza is nearly complete and construction on the stairwells and brick facade for the parking garage is on track to be done by June 1, Brodigan said.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Set the scene New Yorkers and return visitors will instantly recognize the nearly 40,000 plants cascading down the 18-story facade, breathing oxygen into the Midtown air.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Despite the concerns, Beijing sees an opening as Western leaders recalibrate their foreign policy in the face of a shifting relationship with the US.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Some staff are said to prioritize the friendly faces and recurring guests of the club— but what space isn’t?—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The government insisted his case had nothing to do with press freedom, saying the defendants used journalism as a guise to commit acts that harmed Hong Kong and China.—
Kanis Leung,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Both marques returned to the competition this year in new guises.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These mini cakes are totally decadent and make quite the impression for a dinner party.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
-
So, that was my first impression of Bruce.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The tour consisted of 83 shows and marked her first arena tour.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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The co-founder of Airbnb, Gebbia ran through the new website with Oz, a former television show host, during the informercial-style event.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With the effects of the federal cuts expected to be felt across the state, other California counties have already started to look to consumers to replenish government coffers.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The high amount of vitamin C in noni juice also plays a vital role in its effect in boosting the immune system.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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