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 Alongside the cold cup, Starbucks is also offering a $50 Minnie Mouse Steel Travel Tumbler, which bears a striking resemblance to Stanley’s popular Quenchers. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 7 Jan. 2025 In the end, Vira bore no resemblance to the magnificent schooner Nicholson had created, but looked more like a low-masted motorsailer. Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2025 Likewise, the bomb that exploded on Flight 103 bore a resemblance to one, also in a Toshiba radio, found in the car of a Palestinian militant during a raid in Frankfurt less than two months earlier. Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025 Yet his 19th century call for pausing mechanical progress bears a striking resemblance to recent open letters and policy proposals about AI safety. Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025 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 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

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