resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: the quality or state of resembling

especially : correspondence in appearance or superficial qualities

b

: a point of likeness : similarity

2

: representation, image

3

archaic : characteristic appearance

4

obsolete : probability

Synonyms

• common denominator
• commonality
• congruity
• correspondence
• parallel
• similarity
• similitude

Choose the Right Synonym for resemblance

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

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

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of resemblance in a Sentence

He doesn't look exactly like his father, but there is some resemblance.

There is no resemblance between her and her sister.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the sweet photo, Keen has a striking resemblance to his dad, both sporting long curly hair and smiling for the camera. —Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024

The group, which bears a striking resemblance to Fleetwood Mac, is working on a new album as long-simmering creative and romantic tensions explode. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2024

However, the budget will only pay lip service to the California Constitution, and may bear only a passing resemblance to the budget that will finally emerge sometime later. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 14 June 2024

McG later left the project as well, which led Warner Bros. to hire Bryan Singer, who drastically retooled the film into Superman Returns — a film that saw newcomer Brandon Routh play the Man of Steel, and bears almost no resemblance to Abrams’ and Ratner’s prior versions. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblaunce, rassemblaunce "likeness, similarity, appearance, image," borrowed from Anglo-French resemblaunce "outward appearance, likeness, similarity," from resembler "to be like, resemble" + -aunce -ance

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing resemblance

• bear a resemblance
• close resemblance
• family resemblance

Kids Definition

resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: the quality or state of resembling : similarity

b

: a point of likeness

2

: representation sense 1