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

The only two exceptions are 2004 and 2020, both razor-thin elections that closely resembled the razor-thin elections that preceded them (2000 and 2016). —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024

In the high stakes state of Pennsylvania, the gender and age gap in polling reveals trends that resemble the 2020 election. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Prana's Halle Straight Pants II have a flattering silhouette that resembles the fit of your favorite jeans — only with UPF 50+ for sun protection, water repellency, and abrasion resistance. —Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Carvana Retail investors are fascinated by Carvana, which sells used cars online and delivers them from buildings that resemble giant vending machines. —John Dorfman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 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