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

And while many identical twins share a striking physical resemblance, so do many fraternal twins. —Pamela Prindle Fierro, Parents, 1 July 2024

The political drama features Taylor as N, the first female speaker of the house, and Villafañe as A, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress — characters who bear a striking resemblance to U.S. House Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024

As The Drive was quick to point out, that image bears a striking resemblance to the automaker’s first virtual car, the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 June 2024

The legendary quarterback, 46, is currently being linked on the Internet to a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his ex, Gisele Bundchen. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 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