appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 
1
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
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
That equaled the program’s best record since achieving its only bowl appearance as an FBS member.
—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2026
Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres.
—
Liana Handler
follow,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2026
At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.
—
Amy Verner,
Vogue,
6 July 2026
Asked about the impact of successor Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence, Kamrava questioned the official explanation of security concerns, especially given the public appearance of other senior figures, and pointed to previous reports of his injury.
—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for appearance
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.
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Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2026
Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres.
—
Liana Handler
follow,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2026
At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.
—
Amy Verner,
Vogue,
6 July 2026
Asked about the impact of successor Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence, Kamrava questioned the official explanation of security concerns, especially given the public appearance of other senior figures, and pointed to previous reports of his injury.
—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for appearance
Cite this Entry
“Appearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appearance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s
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
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
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