SEMBLANCE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

semblance

noun

ˈsem-blən(t)s

Definition of semblance

as in pretense

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

as in appearance

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 semblance The city’s population is growing and the only real way to preserve any semblance of affordability and keep residents — both longstanding and newcomers — is to have enough housing for everyone. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 Until the Minnesota offense generates a semblance of consistency and explosiveness, the team will need this group to maintain its dominance. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 While under fire and in a foxhole listening to his tiny radio for some semblance of normalcy. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026 Led by Alexei Nechayev, the head of a cosmetics firm, the party was widely seen as a product of the Kremlin, intended to cater to the liberal audience and to present a semblance of political competition. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for semblance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance

Noun

Shirley has since visited other states in the US under similar pretenses, showing up unannounced to grocery stores and hospice centers in search of evidence of fraud.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026
The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

After the fracking boom, some pipeline developers raced for market share and cut corners on siting, restoration and appearance.

— Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Counterfeit devices can copy familiar names and appearances while using entirely different hardware.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appearance

Noun

These boutiques offer distinct expressions of each house, while their facades contribute to a streetscape with an individual character.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Framed by concrete, the glass façade reflects its surroundings as well as the sky.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of facade

Noun

In street-legal guise, the original Shelby Cobra 427 S/C MKIII comprised a run of only 31 examples in period.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026
In the novel, likewise, the narrator assumes an almost Homeric guise, comparing current harbor gossip to chatter from the Phoenician, Cretan, Greek, and Roman eras.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

What Zuckerberg hasn’t addressed directly, on the podcast or the earnings call, is whether agents will eat into the ad impressions that generate nearly all of Meta’s revenue today.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Vance left a positive impression on his RJC audience while stopping short of disavowing influential conservative podcast host Tucker Carlson.

— Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of impression

Noun

The halftime show began in partnership with The Salvation Army in 1997 as a way to raise money for the long-standing charity.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026
The company is planning to launch a handful of new shows over the next few months, with a longer-term goal of having 12-16 channels led by creators who are subject matter experts.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of show

Noun

Some opening day effects are long gone, such as the illusion created by actual shifting doors at the start of the attraction, or visions of tumbling rubble near its beginning.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The progression from vessel impact to environmental damage is clear to see in many cases, said Brian Barnes, who is part of a group of satellite oceanographers at the University of South Florida analyzing the effects of this war from afar.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of effect

Browse Nearby Words

semaphores

semblance

semblances

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of semblance

noun

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