RESEMBLANCE Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'resemblance' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resemblance are analogy , likeness , similarity , and similitude . While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities. // statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

Q: When might 'analogy' be a better fit than 'resemblance'?

The synonyms analogy and resemblance are sometimes interchangeable, but analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities. // pointed out analogies to past wars

Q: How are the words 'likeness' and 'similarity' related as synonyms of 'resemblance'?

Likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike. // a remarkable likeness to his late father // some similarity between the two cases

Q: When is it sensible to use 'similitude' instead of 'resemblance'?

The meanings of similitude and resemblance largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions. // two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

resemblance

noun

ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s

Definition of resemblance next

as in similarity

a point which two or more things share in common I see a family resemblance between you and your brother

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in likeness

the quality or state of having many qualities in common the look of the director's latest film bears a strong resemblance to the look of his last film

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resemblance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resemblance are analogy, likeness, similarity, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When might analogy be a better fit than resemblance?

The synonyms analogy and resemblance are sometimes interchangeable, but analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

How are the words likeness and similarity related as synonyms of resemblance?

Likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father

some similarity between the two cases

When is it sensible to use similitude instead of resemblance?

The meanings of similitude and resemblance largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of resemblance Its only meaningful shortcoming versus other compact SUVs is the lack of a hybrid drivetrain, and that’s arguably offset by the existence of the Equinox EV, despite the fact that the electric SUV shares nothing but its name and a mild resemblance with the gasoline model. —

Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024 At the outset, Robert Ravenscroft (Cohen) is a doting husband to Catherine (Cate Blanchett), a celebrated journalist whose past comes back to haunt her in the form of a mysterious new novel, which bears a disturbing resemblance to her life. —

Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 Grab your familiar and a pointed hat and take a peek at this: The resemblance to, well, the head of a stereotypical witch is remarkable! —

Phil Plait, Scientific American, 25 Oct. 2024 In 1964, Mattel purchased the rights to Bild Lilli and ceased production of the doll, though her resemblance to the original Barbie — blue eye shadow, blond ponytail and all — is striking. —

Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resemblance