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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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.
This helps so that the LGM already has a mathematical and computational semblance of what various types of scenes and geospatial settings are like. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 The size of that tax is de facto determined by a trade group staffed by industry insiders with no semblance of accountability to the public. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2024 By Cutting Out The Noise The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones are a game-changer for anyone seeking a semblance of a quiet office environment. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 Taliban sympathizers have stolen any semblance of a normal life from her. —Joseph Ataman, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near semblance

semblable

semblance

semblant

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semblance. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

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

Nglish: Translation of semblance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of semblance for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
sweet smart pug puppy dog sitting in front of blackboard with chalk question marks
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Vol. 3 Do you have a (flare/flair) for choosing the righ...