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 63 spherical villas resemble seashells, and those hovering over the water form a ring, a striking visual signature for the hotel. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

But none alive today resemble the Cretaceous era’s Sirenobethylus charybdis, according to this new research. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025

Miami also has five unproven safeties vying for the two vacated starting spots, and the cornerback spot opposite Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey resembles mystery meat. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025

The current situation unfolds as a disturbing sequel to what had already resembled a Greek tragedy involving the men behind Winthrop and their families. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for resemble

• semble
• tremble
• assemble
• dissemble
• disassemble
• reassemble

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