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

The cast takes a motorboat to a giant, crusty-ass pirate ship in the middle of the ocean named Sinister, with an uncanny resemblance to the Flying Dutchman from SpongeBob SquarePants. —Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024

Pfeiffer responded, sharing her appreciation for the uncanny resemblance. —Gil MacIas, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Still, the killer whales are on trend in one regard: Pantone’s 2024 color of the year, Peach Fuzz, bears resemblance to cooked salmon. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024

The results are painterly images bearing no small resemblance to the world created in Jackson’s movies (the director and partner Fran Walsh are among this film’s executive producers). —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 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