resemblance

[ri-zem-bluhns]

noun

1. the state or fact of resembling; similarity.

   Antonyms: difference

2. a degree, kind, or point of likeness.

   Synonyms: similitude, analogy

3. a likeness, appearance, or semblance of something.

   Synonyms: image

resemblance

/ rɪˈzɛmbləns /

noun

1. the state or quality of resembling; likeness or similarity in nature, appearance, etc

2. the degree or extent to which or the respect in which a likeness exists

3. something resembling something else; semblance; likeness

Other Word Forms

• nonresemblance noun
• preresemblance noun
• resemblant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resemblance¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, equivalent to resembl(er) “to resemble” resemble + -ance -ance

Synonym Study

Resemblance, similarity imply that there is a likeness between two or more people or things. Resemblance indicates primarily a likeness in appearance, either a striking one or one which merely serves as a reminder to the beholder: The boy has a strong resemblance to his father. Similarity may imply a surface likeness, but usually suggests also a likeness in other characteristics: There is a similarity in their tastes and behavior.

Example Sentences

The resemblance was too strong to be a coincidence: The ever-present sneer.

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My avatar wasn’t perfect—my teeth looked off, and so did some of my expressions—but the resemblance was impressive.

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The company has learned what Michiganders have known for decades: The United Auto Workers bears no resemblance to the collaborative employee councils common in Germany.

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“The ever-expanding mission of California’s federalized Guard bears no resemblance to what this Court provisionally upheld in June,” the state wrote in the filing.

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The suspect bears a resemblance to pop star Post Malone.

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Related Words

• affinity 
• closeness 
• coincidence 
• comparison 
• kinship 
• parallel