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

Example 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 At Taiwan’s National Palace Museum, a jade cabbage continues to amaze visitors with its striking resemblance to the real vegetable. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025 Not only does Ben have an uncanny resemblance to Evel, but the gravitas this real-life showman deserves. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 Floods, tricksters, battles with monsters, creation and apocalypse—sometimes the resemblances are uncanny. Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 The resemblance of a cat in the car decal was enough to set her off, which sheds light on how dogs perceive the world. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • The trio could be a modern take on Sex and the City, but their passions for fashion and raunchy recaps are where the similarities end.
    Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Due to their nutritional similarities, the choice between pumpkin and summer squash may come down to your personal taste preferences.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

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