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
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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
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Recent Examples of semblance
The Ethiopian crosses symbolize eternal life and connection, and given that a sanctuary is a place for refuge and safety and holiness, Makonnen’s artwork provides some semblance of that for the spirits of the fallen and slain after their lives have ended.
—
Shantay Robinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025
Last August, the Astros claimed Gamel off waivers from the New York Mets as the club tried to cobble together any semblance of outfield consistency.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
Karen declared open conflict with Mia and Jacqueline, laying out all the inconsistencies in Mia’s storytelling that leave the group frustrated while Ashley was in the back hallway frantically turning her Anastasia Beverly Hills contour stick into a semblance of five-o’-clock shadow.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Continually hoping that some semblance of law and order survives what’s coming.
—Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Shantay Robinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025
Last August, the Astros claimed Gamel off waivers from the New York Mets as the club tried to cobble together any semblance of outfield consistency.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
Karen declared open conflict with Mia and Jacqueline, laying out all the inconsistencies in Mia’s storytelling that leave the group frustrated while Ashley was in the back hallway frantically turning her Anastasia Beverly Hills contour stick into a semblance of five-o’-clock shadow.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Continually hoping that some semblance of law and order survives what’s coming.
—Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semblance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semblance
Noun
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President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington under the pretense of negotiating a peace deal.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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But in the media-state singularity, there is not even the pretense of space between the two worlds.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Dogs will usually show symptoms four to six days after being exposed, however the appearance of symptoms can range from three days to two weeks, according to HSHC.—
Allana Haynes,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2025
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That's right — Robert Redford made his first on-screen acting appearance in years on Dark Winds!—
Tommy McArdle,
People.com,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Outline natural stone Johnston adds visual interest to a neutral facade.—
Kathryn O'Shea-Evans,
Architectural Digest,
11 Mar. 2025
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Unfortunately, this page, which mirrored the company’s reset page, was a facade set up by cybercriminals.—
Maxwell Alles,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The building’s core will be preserved while the outside will receive a face lift.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2025
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The only thing scarier than performing a song by one of the coaches on The Voice to their faces is showing up for your Blind Audition round with an acoustic guitar and a tricky Taylor Swift song in your quiver.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In its stock guise, the Dark Horse is capable of 0 to 60mph in 3.7 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 12 seconds at 118.4mph.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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According to certain cosmologies, their souls take on the guise of marine creatures—an idea that struck me as strangely comforting.—
Julian Lucas,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The white-washed undyed look on this impression of a Persian style gives it a cozy, rustic vibe.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
4 Mar. 2025
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Just like how someone that might have the wrong impression of me might be really positive.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Monday’s show introduced the luxury fashion house’s collection from womenswear artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière.—
Nicole Fell,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Mar. 2025
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The show proved incredibly popular upon its debut, with an average weekly audience of 20 million viewers during its first season.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Despite the agreements, Trump’s decision on the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from Mexico and Canada, which are scheduled to come into effect on March 12, remains in limbo.—
Fabiola Sanchez,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
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Financial market volatility soared last week as new tariffs for Canada, Mexico, and China went into effect, and investors reacted to a potential slowdown in the U.S. from growing economic uncertainty.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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