appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
Synonyms of appearance
1
a
: external show : semblance
Although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality.
b
: outward aspect : look
had a fierce appearance
c
appearances plural : outward indication
trying to keep up appearances
2
a
: a sense impression or aspect of a thing
The blue of distant hills is only an appearance.
b
: the world of sensible phenomena
3
a
: the act, action, or process of appearing
the first appearance of that word in English
b
law : the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney
4
a
: something that appears : phenomenon
b
: an instance of appearing : occurrence
her first public appearance since winning the award

Synonyms of appearance

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Examples of appearance in a Sentence

The general appearance of the house is quite good. The museum restored the painting to its original appearance. lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance. Have you noticed any changes in her appearance? He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive. Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.
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.
Atlanta reached the Finals for the first time since 2013 and after losing in its previous three appearances in the championship round, will be trying for their first as well. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 This is an odd, stilted entry that’s hard to deduce and is making its first appearance in a Times puzzle. — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Water conditions, food sources and even the composition of the seafloor can influence their flavor and appearance. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally stepped out together for the first time since returning to the UK, making a joint appearance in Nottingham. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appearance

Word History

Etymology

re-formation (after appear) of Middle English apparence, aparaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French apparaunce, apparence, borrowed from Late Latin appārentia, noun derivative of Latin appārent-, appārens, present participle of appārēre "to be visible, appear"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of appearance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing appearance

Rhymes for appearance

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Browse Nearby Words

appear
appearance
appearances to the contrary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appearance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

appearance

noun
ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
1
: the way someone or something looks
the room has a cool appearance
gave every appearance of being healthy
keep up appearances
2
: the act, process, or an instance of appearing
3
: something that appears

Medical Definition

appearance

noun
ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
1
: the action or process of becoming evident to the senses
the sudden appearance of a rash on the body
2
: the outward or visible aspect of something
a tumor with a spongy appearance
appear
ə-ˈpi(ə)r How to pronounce appearance (audio)
intransitive verb

Legal Definition

appearance

noun
ap·​pear·​ance
1
: the presentation of oneself in court as a party to or as an attorney for a party to a lawsuit
also : a document filed in court by an attorney declaring his or her representation of a party to a lawsuit see also general appearance, special appearance
2
: outward look
a lawyer should avoid the appearance of impropriety

More from Merriam-Webster on appearance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about appearance

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