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 drink resembles a typical chai, but the topping is where the drink gets its fruity flavor. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025

Characteristics of panthers Florida panthers resemble the cougars and pumas found in the American West, with beige or tan fur and white markings underneath. —CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025

In many regards, this latest flight test will resemble the one that took place last month. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025

For Indiana’s non-elderly adults, which most closely resembles those on the Medicaid expansion program, Cuello said, the state coverage rate is 17.6%, according to the data. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 2 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