semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
Synonyms of semblancenext
1
a
: outward and often specious appearance or show : form
wrapped in a semblance of composure— Harry Hervey
b
: modicum
has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people— Bayard Rustin
2
: aspect, countenance
3
a
: a phantasmal form : apparition
b
: image, likeness
4
: actual or apparent resemblance
her story bears some semblance to the truth

Synonyms

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Examples of semblance in a Sentence

tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That could change as the settlement knocks out the last semblance of amateurism. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 The college experience could very soon be one that bears little semblance to the classic picture. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025 Between classes, internships, part-time work, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, something’s gotta give. — Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 On the other side, after an early exit from the Copa América last summer, the U.S. will go into this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup desperate for any semblance of optimism and momentum, with the 2026 World Cup looming in the not-so-distant future. — Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for semblance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English semblance, semblaunce "outward appearance, mere appearance, show, facial expression, likeness," borrowed from Anglo-French, "likeness, form, demeanor, resemblance," from sembler "to resemble, seem, appear" (going back to Latin simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, imitate") + -ance, -aunce -ance — more at simulate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of semblance was in the 14th century

Rhymes for semblance

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Browse Nearby Words

semblable
semblance
semblant
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Cite this Entry

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semblance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

semblance

noun
sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
1
: outward and often misleading appearance or show
2
: one that resembles another : likeness, image

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