resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s How to pronounce resemblance (audio)
1
a
: the quality or state of resembling
especially : correspondence in appearance or superficial qualities
b
: a point of likeness : similarity
2
3
archaic : characteristic appearance
4
obsolete : probability
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
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.
The actor, who does bear something of a resemblance to Jon Lovitz, sadly died in 2011. Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 Due to a mix of recent legal changes and an uncertain policy landscape, residents in roughly half of American states have easy access to impairing hemp products that bear a strong resemblance to marijuana and are far less regulated. Katharine Neill Harris, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 This likely originates from the resemblance of some glands to small nuts or acorns. Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 Because of agaves’ resemblance to aloes, the name aloe vera came about, distinguishing it as ‘truly an aloe,’ and not to be taken for an agave. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resemblance

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of resemblance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resemblance. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

resemblance

noun
re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s How to pronounce resemblance (audio)
1
a
: the quality or state of resembling : similarity
b
: a point of likeness
2

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