Definition of resemblancenext

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

Example 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 Amazon is launching a new lineup of tablets that bear almost no resemblance to any tablet Amazon has ever launched before. — David Pierce, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 The ongoing heat wave across the Golden State bears little resemblance to weather that reminds people of pumpkin spice and fall leaves, at least for now. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026 The false gharial gets its moniker from its resemblance to the Indian gharial, despite being a different species. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 In her review of the exhibition, critic Aruna D’Souza sees this resemblance as a blind spot in the show’s curation. — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resemblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance
similarity
Noun
  • This year’s Carte Blanche collection centers on the simultaneous similarities and differences that make up humanity.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The proof’s similarities to Buckmaster and Alpöge’s progress are superficial.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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