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 That scene of tractors plowing cotton conjures memories of a fraught history because of its resemblance to archival images. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025 As the father-daughter duo sat courtside, Vida showed a striking resemblance to her mother, Alves. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2025 The handbags are gaining attention on social media for their striking resemblance to the coveted Hermès Birkin bags. Doug Melville, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Praised by Natalie for his recent promotion to Harmony’s old job(*), his reward is a collection of paintings of great moments in the life of Kier, but with a twist: In the paintings, Kier is a Black man with more than a passing resemblance to Milchick. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for resemblance 

Thesaurus Entries Near resemblance

Cite this Entry

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resemblance

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