resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: the quality or state of resembling

especially : correspondence in appearance or superficial qualities

b

: a point of likeness : similarity

2

: representation, image

3

archaic : characteristic appearance

4

obsolete : probability

Synonyms

• common denominator
• commonality
• congruity
• correspondence
• parallel
• similarity
• similitude

Choose the Right Synonym for resemblance

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

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

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of resemblance in a Sentence

He doesn't look exactly like his father, but there is some resemblance.

There is no resemblance between her and her sister.

Recent Examples on the Web

Grab your familiar and a pointed hat and take a peek at this: The resemblance to, well, the head of a stereotypical witch is remarkable! —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 25 Oct. 2024

In 1964, Mattel purchased the rights to Bild Lilli and ceased production of the doll, though her resemblance to the original Barbie — blue eye shadow, blond ponytail and all — is striking. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024

Some have done double-takes upon meeting McNulty, seeing his resemblance to Thompson. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024

Take Rudolph’s impression of Kamala Harris, which is based not only on the physical resemblance between the two but also on Rudolph’s ability to find the nuances in the presidential candidate’s cadence. —Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblaunce, rassemblaunce "likeness, similarity, appearance, image," borrowed from Anglo-French resemblaunce "outward appearance, likeness, similarity," from resembler "to be like, resemble" + -aunce -ance

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing resemblance

• bear a resemblance
• close resemblance
• family resemblance

Kids Definition

resemblance

noun

re·​sem·​blance ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s 

1

a

: the quality or state of resembling : similarity

b

: a point of likeness

2

: representation sense 1