semblance

UK: /ˈsɛmbləns/ US: /ˈsɛmbləns/ ,(sem′bləns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sem•blance /ˈsɛmbləns/   n. 

1. outward aspect or appearance:
   [uncountable] I won't continue until there is some semblance of order in here.
2. an assumed or unreal appearance;
   a show:
   [countable] a semblance of self-confidence that she was far from feeling.
3. [countable* usually singular] the slightest appearance or trace:
   Show us you're capable of at least a semblance of organization.
   See -semble-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sem•blance  (sem′bləns), n. 

1. outward aspect or appearance.
2. an assumed or unreal appearance;
   show.
3. the slightest appearance or trace.
4. a likeness, image, or copy.
5. a spectral appearance;
   apparition.

• Middle French, equivalent. to sembl(er) to seem (see resemble) + -ance -ance
• Middle English 1250–1300

Synonyms

• 1. aspect, exterior, mien, air.
• 2. seeming.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

semblance / ˈsɛmbləns/ noun

1. outward appearance, esp without any inner substance or reality
2. a resemblance or copy

Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French, from sembler to seem, from Latin simulāre to imitate, from similis like