1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication
a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example 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 semblance
Continually hoping that some semblance of law and order survives what’s coming.
—
Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025
The chances are that a different generative AI will have a different semblance of the pattern-matching and the data was used during the initial setup.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Repetition gives these fabrications a semblance of truth.
—Rochelle Eastman, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
With significant revisions, this proposal could contain a semblance of something workable.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025
The chances are that a different generative AI will have a different semblance of the pattern-matching and the data was used during the initial setup.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Repetition gives these fabrications a semblance of truth.
—Rochelle Eastman, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
With significant revisions, this proposal could contain a semblance of something workable.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
These are typically hogwash for multiple reasons, not least of which is the combination of ideological bias with the pretense of ideological neutrality.—
Dan McLaughlin,
National Review,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Instead, these conflicts were entered into under the pretense of strengthening national security or spreading democracy.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Actually haven’t really got lured into any TV appearances or anything like that.—
Seth Abramovitch,
The Hollywood Reporter,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Kacey Musgraves looked to the brand for her SNL promo, while Reneé Rapp and Sophia Bush have both sported pieces for red carpet appearances.—
Michael Cuby,
Them,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Michael’s sexuality has never been an issue, because Julia married him for a life of status and security, and is happy to keep up any facade necessary to maintain it.—
Mary Marge Locker,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2025
-
So are the movie theaters, some beloved restaurants and stores, a landmark hotel (although a new residential building features a replica facade).—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The footage shows one officer kicking Mr. Brooks, whose face is bloodied, and then forcing him onto his back on an infirmary examination table while another officer punches Mr. Brooks in the upper body.—
Ed Shanahan,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
-
And Aguirre sees the faces of people who aren’t there, too.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
According to certain cosmologies, their souls take on the guise of marine creatures—an idea that struck me as strangely comforting.—
Julian Lucas,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Those influences are often deliberate — coy and canny reworkings of previous themes and character types, presented again in new guises and winking reflections.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Building Patient Trust In Digital Environments Patients' first impressions of your practice are often based on your website.—
Adhip Ray,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
-
In future books about how to make a strong first impression, authors would be wise to cite the work of Sears.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The show was created and produced by Banijay Benelux label TwentyTwo.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2025
-
So far, she’s completed four shows in Brisbane and two of four nights in Sydney.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Vetters says recent research suggests that testosterone may not permanently impair fertility, and at least some transgender men have been to get pregnant after stopping hormone therapy, though the effects are still unclear.—
Tyler Santora,
Scientific American,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The total effect and impact of her show were unforgettable.—
Tianwei Zhang,
WWD,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share