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
The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order.
—
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Pos Player Bats 2025 projection RF Mike Trout R
.261, 30 HR, 75 RBI
If the Angels have any semblance of success this year, Trout will need to be healthy and effective.
—Sam Blum, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
That could change as the settlement knocks out the last semblance of amateurism.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The college experience could very soon be one that bears little semblance to the classic picture.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Pos Player Bats 2025 projection RF Mike Trout R
.261, 30 HR, 75 RBI
If the Angels have any semblance of success this year, Trout will need to be healthy and effective.
—Sam Blum, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
That could change as the settlement knocks out the last semblance of amateurism.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The college experience could very soon be one that bears little semblance to the classic picture.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
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What To Know According to court documents reviewed by NewsNation, Piccolo is accused of driving up to a woman in Manatee County, stopping his vehicle under the pretense of asking for directions and then exposing himself.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In her four seasons playing at UConn, Bueckers took the Huskies to four Final Fours, two National Championship game appearances and eight BIG EAST titles.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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But unlike higher-profile events featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Casten’s southern Illinois appearance was in rock-solid GOP territory, where Trump won 71% of the vote in November and where 70.5% of the district’s voters backed Trump in 2020.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Its grand facade, looming over the misty abyss of Tequendama Falls, is the kind of place that invites amazement and a little unease.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Fact to know: In collaboration with the Dilworth Historic Commission, the project team used traditional materials and techniques — including the help of a master stonemason with access to original quarries — to ensure consistency with the church’s limestone facade.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But markets are betting on more stimulus being rolled out soon in the face of the escalating China-U.S. trade war.—
Hannah Lang and Rae Wee,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Their mothers are protective, and the entire troop will work together to defend the baby in the face of a threat, according to testimony from U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, in a former guise this was the first company in China to manufacture automobiles.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
All would come under the guise of respect for local norms.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The scientists, led by fossil track specialist Conner Bennett, used advanced 3D imaging techniques to identify and analyze four sets of vertebrate trace fossils, including impressions left behind by prehistoric birds, mammals, lizards and invertebrates.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Chido Obi has made such an impression in fleeting senior cameos that not registering the 17-year-old for the Europa League could be regarded as an oversight.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However, pastel purple is very much a show stopper in nail design.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
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The show will explore the intersection of design, storytelling, and innovation, offering a rare glimpse into how truly great products are made.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That kind of knowledge production has, in effect, been automated.—
D. Graham Burnett,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2025
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Louisiana Louisiana’s law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the state hasn't issued guidance on what documentation residents need.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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