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
-
Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach also discussed the rumors that Travis is set to retire during an appearance on NFL: The Insiders podcast this week.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The pope had been struggling to speak and breathe during public appearances.—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Casa Loewe’s golden facade brightens the Jing’an Kerry Center commercial district.—
WWD,
WWD,
28 Feb. 2025
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This will feature lots of natural light thanks to the skylights already mentioned, plus a transparent facade made up of aluminum and glass, with glazed louvers.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In 2019, Scarlett Johansson spoke out about the dangers of the practice after her face was grafted onto explicit videos.—
Simmone Shah,
TIME,
4 Mar. 2025
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Coverage and costs are based exclusively on the plan the individual chooses and remain unaffected by any health issues their co-workers face.—
Jack Hooper,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Those influences are often deliberate — coy and canny reworkings of previous themes and character types, presented again in new guises and winking reflections.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Just like how someone that might have the wrong impression of me might be really positive.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
4 Mar. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Originals rule: The top 15 TV shows and top nine films in terms of views were all Netflix originals.—
Rick Porter,
The Hollywood Reporter,
26 Feb. 2025
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John Lithgow is a renowned and respected actor, having appeared in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Shrek, The World According to Garp, Dexter, Conclave, and many more shows and movies.—
Callum Booth,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In California, after mandatory-arrest laws went into effect, arrests of men increased by sixty per cent; arrests of women increased by four hundred per cent.—
Sarah Lustbader,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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The Chinese tariff commission said these are in response to Canada’s 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum that went into effect last fall.—
Zach LaChance,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Semblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semblance. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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