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 The name comes from its resemblance to crepe paper—a thin, wrinkly-looking paper used for decorating (e.g., party streamers) and crafts (e.g., paper mache). Laura Schober, Health, 24 Nov. 2024 Here are four ways the show bears more resemblance to reality than a casual fan might realize. Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024 The values of coming generations may bear little resemblance to the values that seem reasonable today—which are already far different from those that seemed like common sense forty years ago. Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024 Read on to find out which stars are related to royalty, who joins the Cheers comedic dynasty and the politician-comedian duo who bears more than a passing resemblance to each other. Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 29 Nov. 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 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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