semblance

American  

[sem-bluhns] / ˈsɛm bləns /

noun

1. outward aspect or appearance.

   Synonyms:

   air, mien, exterior, aspect

2. an assumed or unreal appearance; show.

   Synonyms:

   seeming

3. the slightest appearance or trace.

4. a likeness, image, or copy.

5. a spectral appearance; apparition.

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semblance British  

/ ˈsɛmbləns /

noun

1. outward appearance, esp without any inner substance or reality

2. a resemblance or copy

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Etymology

Origin of semblance

1250–1300; Middle English < Middle French, equivalent to sembl ( er ) to seem ( resemble ) + -ance -ance

Example Sentences

Indulging in niche snacks provides Bernadette with some semblance of power.

From MarketWatch

This is a squad that should compete for the title next season, but right now they have no semblance of an identity, and above all are no longer feared.

From BBC

Ms. Farris juxtaposes the pursuit of her caregivers—who are trying to hold on to some semblance of adult life as best they can—with the general chaos that accompanies child-raising.

From The Wall Street Journal

“If you’re young or immunosuppressed you don’t want any semblance of influenza virus lingering in you that could potentially come back again or worse, open the doors for a bacterial infection or something more severe.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The Trojans missed nine of their first 10 shots, unable to find any semblance of a rhythm.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pretense
• veneer