resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling ri-ˈzem-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father

2

archaic : to represent as like

Examples of resemble in a Sentence

He strongly resembles his father in appearance and in temperament.

Terrier dogs closely resemble each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

Skipping ahead hundreds of millennia, researchers uncovered stirring examples of prehistoric peoples’ artistic inclinations: a sand sculpture that may have been shaped to resemble a blue stingray around 130,000 years ago and a 130,000-year-old bear bone featuring Neanderthal carvings. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024

The main floor was repainted in warm, dark colors to resemble the coffeehouse Gerde’s Folk City—i.e., the site of Dylan’s first major professional gig. —Mara Reinstein, Architectural Digest, 25 Dec. 2024

As such, the newest Nosferatu has the period-drama sumptuousness (if not the color palette) of Coppola’s 1992 Dracula, and Bill Skarsgård’s mustachioed Orlok resembles an actively rotting version of Gary Oldman’s count more than Max Schreck and Klaus Kinski’s cue balls with fangs. —Elle Carroll, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024

While some space heaters have a more utilitarian design, others offer a more stylish look and resemble fireplaces with faux logs, realistic flames, and a glowing orange light. —Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblen, rasemblen "to be like, compare," borrowed from Anglo-French resembler, rasembler "to be like, appear to be, compare (to)" (also continental Old French), from re- re- + sembler "to look like, seem to be" — more at semblance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl 

resembled; resembling -b(ə-)liŋ 

: to be like or similar to

he resembles his father