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

• resemblant adjective
• nonresemblance noun
• preresemblance noun

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

Officials added: “This is a case study of billboard law firms trying to turn family resemblance into racial animus to collect clicks, clout, and cash.”

From Los Angeles Times

The claim appeared to have little resemblance to the truth: One school district in Utah had used DOE funds to send teachers to an education conference hosted at a Caesars hotel.

From Salon

Ms Archerd told MIT Technology Review she had not met the baby in person yet, but could already see a resemblance with her daughter.

From BBC

My family bore some resemblance to the Huxtables, in that my dad was a physician and I am the youngest of five kids.

From Salon

Will Altadena and the Palisades bear at least some resemblance to what they were?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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