semblance

noun

sem·​blance ˈsem-blən(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio)
1
a
: outward and often specious appearance or show : form
wrapped in a semblance of composureHarry Hervey
b
: modicum
has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his peopleBayard Rustin
2
3
a
: a phantasmal form : apparition
4
: actual or apparent resemblance
her story bears some semblance to the truth

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.
Meanwhile, new laws might put the kibosh on generic unregulated generative AI providing any semblance of mental health advisement. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 But July figures from the National Retail Federation’s Global Port Tracker still indicate some semblance of a pull-forward, with major U.S. ports expecting to pull in 2.1 percent more 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) than the year prior—the most containers entering the country since May 2022. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 7 Aug. 2025 But for now, the President and his allies have resorted to other methods to exert some semblance of control over D.C. Chad De Guzman, Time, 7 Aug. 2025 Journalists have faced arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance and prosecution in courts that lack any semblance of due process. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semblance. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on semblance

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