1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 families As Wallace moved to Central Prison, his victims’ families attempted to stitch together some semblance of a new life but found the trauma hard to escape.
—
Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
More to the point: Does that destroy any semblance of competitive balance?
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Getting back some semblance of a routine of eating, staying hydrating, and sleeping regularly may also help, says Moser, although doing so may be difficult in the early days.
—Alice Park, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
But for some, like Amanda, focusing on a few small yet empowering steps can be a way to restore some semblance of control in such vulnerable medical settings.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
-
These are typically hogwash for multiple reasons, not least of which is the combination of ideological bias with the pretense of ideological neutrality.—
-
Instead, these conflicts were entered into under the pretense of strengthening national security or spreading democracy.—
Noun
-
In the latest shockwave to hit Washington’s premier performing arts institution, multi-hyphenate creator Issa Rae has pulled the plug on her upcoming Kennedy Center appearance following U.S. President Donald Trump’s installation as chair.—
-
Remember, in the past six years, the Chiefs have started a different left tackle in each of their five Super Bowl appearances.—
Noun
-
Michael’s sexuality has never been an issue, because Julia married him for a life of status and security, and is happy to keep up any facade necessary to maintain it.—
-
So are the movie theaters, some beloved restaurants and stores, a landmark hotel (although a new residential building features a replica facade).—
Noun
-
The deal included the creation of a capsule collection of men’s and unisex pieces that launched last fall and Jonas served as the face of the brand through the spring 2025 season.—
-
Celebrate every baby milestone, adorable laugh, and that undeniably cute face with a name off this list.—
Noun
-
Those influences are often deliberate — coy and canny reworkings of previous themes and character types, presented again in new guises and winking reflections.—
-
The first four films followed Neve Campbell's character, Sidney Prescott, and her struggle against a succession of murderers who adopt the guise of Ghostface, a masked killer motivated by revenge, jealousy, and notoriety.—
Noun
-
In future books about how to make a strong first impression, authors would be wise to cite the work of Sears.—
-
Building Patient Trust In Digital Environments Patients' first impressions of your practice are often based on your website.—
Noun
-
With six episodes still left, there’s plenty of time for the show to swerve into new heights or disappointing dead ends or the vast middle ground in between.—
-
But in the end, the show rises or falls on whether the audience is carried along — or even cares about — Jesse’s private journey of salvation.—
Noun
-
Coming into full effect last year, the policy is creating a national mess.—
-
That’s on top of the additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports that went into effect earlier this month.—
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share