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

• similarity

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

But polls show a growing consensus among Americans that women's sports should be for women, and that Title IX has been stretched out of all resemblance to its original intent. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Great for everything from a day at the pool to a trip abroad, per shopper reviews, this spacious carryall immediately caught our attention for bearing a striking resemblance to the tote Meghan Markle used to showcase a colorful garden haul, thanks to its woven texture and faux leather handle. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 July 2025

Amid the mix of compliments and insults from obvious trolls, many thought ATB bore a striking resemblance to another member of the family. —Miami Herald, 8 July 2025

Fishburne came to see Fields-Green as Jackson in MJ the Musical and, like the rest of us, was wowed by the uncanny resemblance. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025

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

Rhymes for resemblance

• semblance

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