Synonym Chooser

How is the word resemblance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resemblance are analogy, likeness, similarity, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When might analogy be a better fit than resemblance?

The synonyms analogy and resemblance are sometimes interchangeable, but analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

How are the words likeness and similarity related as synonyms of resemblance?

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

When is it sensible to use similitude instead of resemblance?

The meanings of similitude and resemblance largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of resemblance But the operation currently underway bears resemblance to the plan presented by Eiland in a public video, and in private to the Israeli cabinet and the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Mick Krever, CNN, 12 Oct. 2024 The episode ended with a close-up shot of Billy with a crown that appeared on his head — one that bore a striking resemblance to a crown his mother, Wanda, often wore. Julia Moore, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 The pair even reenacted Ice Cube's famous mean mug while on Conan back in 2015 and the resemblance was just too uncanny. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Alfaro’s true story bears little resemblance to Estela’s fictional arc in Clean, but themes recur throughout both narratives: two poor women whose hopelessness—over whether their lives might ever truly belong to them—fuels anger and frustration. Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resemblance 

Thesaurus Entries Near resemblance

Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

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