semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: outward and often specious appearance or show : form

wrapped in a semblance of composure

—Harry Hervey

b

: modicum

has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people

—Bayard Rustin

2

: aspect, countenance

3

a

: a phantasmal form : apparition

b

: image, likeness

4

: actual or apparent resemblance

her story bears some semblance to the truth

Synonyms

• act
• airs
• charade
• disguise
• facade
• façade
• front
• guise
• masquerade
• playacting
• pose
• pretense
• pretence
• put-on
• show

Examples of semblance in a Sentence

tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her

a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty

Recent Examples on the Web

The New York Liberty have a semblance of momentum coming off their Game 2 victory to level the series at one win apiece, but Minnesota now returns home for a pair of games. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2024

The Oscar-winning writer-director is keeping mum about his forthcoming fourth feature, due out in 2026, try as Jimmy Fallon might to get any semblance of information about the genre film. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2024

Watch whether the Cowboys can get any semblance of a running game going. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2024

However, this semblance of unawareness cracked recently after a flawed software update brought the world to a screeching halt. —Dave Friend, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English semblance, semblaunce "outward appearance, mere appearance, show, facial expression, likeness," borrowed from Anglo-French, "likeness, form, demeanor, resemblance," from sembler "to resemble, seem, appear" (going back to Latin simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, imitate") + -ance, -aunce -ance — more at simulate

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s 

1

: outward and often misleading appearance or show

2

: one that resembles another : likeness, image