Synonym Chooser

How is the word resemblance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resemblance are analogy, likeness, similarity, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When might analogy be a better fit than resemblance?

The synonyms analogy and resemblance are sometimes interchangeable, but analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

How are the words likeness and similarity related as synonyms of resemblance?

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

When is it sensible to use similitude instead of resemblance?

The meanings of similitude and resemblance largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of resemblance Currently sold out on Walmart's website, the dupe bears a striking resemblance to the real thing at a fraction of the cost, between $78 and $102. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Dec. 2024 By the end of the game, Olivia was trending online, her images and videos shared across social media platforms as fans marveled at the uncanny resemblance. David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 Fanatics sells products that bear some resemblance to Slice of the Ice. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Dec. 2024 Discovered in the ultramafic mountains in central Sabah, the species was named for the orangutan, due to its hairs’ striking resemblance to the great ape’s long, dark, rusty-red hair. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resemblance 

Thesaurus Entries Near resemblance

Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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