Definition of resemblancenext

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 The new show features Cuban actor Ariel Texido, who bears a resemblance to a younger Alvarez Guedes, and is in Spanish with few Spanglish bits that longtime fans will remember. Pedro Portal, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 For all their grievances with Didion’s fiction, the women’s lives bear a striking resemblance to Didion’s own. Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Most of the film’s other resemblances, of which there are many, prove less distressing. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2026 The resemblance is particularly striking because many Palestinians are now barred from practicing their pastoralist traditions in areas where settlers continue to roam freely. Irus Braverman, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • One enterprise might share similarities with another, but no two businesses are exactly alike.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • Fans are flipping out over the similarities between Hilary Duff and You star Victoria Pedretti — who plays the on-screen love interest (literally named Love) of Penn Badgley's Joe.
    Laura Lane, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster