semblances

noun

plural of semblance
1
as in facades
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faces
outward and often deceptive indication a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 semblances Beginning it with starts from Mike Burrows on Friday and Spencer Arrighetti on Saturday — two of this starting rotation’s lone semblances of reliability — should provide some comfort. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblances
  1. facades
  2. faces
  3. pretenses
  4. appearances
  5. guises
  6. effects
  7. shows
  8. impressions
Noun
  • This allows energy-harvesting technology to be integrated directly into architectural elements, such as skyscraper facades, glass windows, and skylights.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The bakery first opened at a location across the street in 1894, with the year emblazoned on the historic building’s facades.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of facades
Noun
  • Now the extraordinary, blossoming Matisse faces in the direction of the original site for which it was designed, like a living memory.
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The nocturnal parrots with their owl-like faces remain critically endangered, conservationists say.
    — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of faces
Noun
  • The strategic mistake of invading Iraq on false pretenses was then compounded by tactical errors.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Johnson created the story of Nancy (Emilia Jones), who is not a girlfriend, but a crush who Bourdain foolhardily (and under false pretenses) follows to Provincetown after not getting a writing fellowship.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretenses
Noun
  • Fights broke out when some students protested Yiannopoulos’ appearances and accused him of hate speech, while others celebrated him as a champion of free speech.
    — Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Getty Images The Atlanta Braves have employed countless players throughout their long history, from Hall of Fame stars to short-term contributors whose careers in Atlanta were measured in only a handful of appearances.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of appearances
Noun
  • Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With their traditional, legacy rivals — the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur — in various guises of transition, Arsenal are suddenly the team to beat and the Emirates is suddenly a library of sound; noise please.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of guises
Noun
  • Diesel also faces higher seasonal demand that is compounding the effects of the supply shortages.
    — Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • They’re often made for their biological effects, serving as distress signals or to ward off pests and predators.
    — Mike McRae September 03, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of effects
Noun
  • About a quarter of its $1 million in TikTok Shop sales so far in 2026 originated from livestreams, where the company hosts its own selling shows and works with affiliate creators on the popular social media app.
    — Ryan Baker, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Young people want movies and TV shows that reflect their own lives and relatable issues, rather than more stories in the fantasy genre, according to last year’s annual Teens and Screens report from the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of shows
Noun
  • Since then, the apps have kept generating thousands of impressions a week, downloads keep climbing and real users keep showing up, all organically.
    — Zoe Huang, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • After testing multiple new hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, cargo vans, family SUVs and more, here are my top 10 best new vehicles of 2026 so far based on my driving impressions, rankings and overall value propositions.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of impressions

Browse Nearby Words

semblance
semblances
semi
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Cite this Entry

“Semblances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblances. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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