RESEMBLANCE Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

resemblance

noun

ri-ˈzem-blən(t)s

Definition of resemblance

as in similarity

a point which two or more things share in common I see a family resemblance between you and your brother

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in likeness

the quality or state of having many qualities in common the look of the director's latest film bears a strong resemblance to the look of his last film

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Quince has plenty of bags that capture that same timeless feel, including one that bears a striking resemblance to a tote Kate has carried herself. — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 Dries Van Noten created a luxe velvet tote that bears a striking resemblance to Mary Poppins’ bag (extra-large storage capacity included). — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026 More recently, the teen garnered attention for his poise and striking resemblance to dad William. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Aug. 2026 Commentary on his work often describes it as a critique of race or capitalism but gingerly avoids the more superficial observation that these behaviors have a resemblance to certain presentations of psychosis. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resemblance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resemblance

similarity

Noun

The only similarity between the person participating in the experiment and the stranger was gender—the stranger’s face was not a doppelgänger.

— Nicole Karlis, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026
The same research tradition shows that such perceptions involve judgements about intention and expression, and not just visual similarity.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of similarity

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resells

resemblance

resemblances

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Style

“Resemblance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resemblance. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of resemblance

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