resemblance

UK: /rɪˈzɛmbləns/ US: /rɪˈzɛmbləns/ ,(ri zem′bləns)

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

re•sem•blance /rɪˈzɛmbləns/   n. 

1. the state or fact of resembling or being or looking alike;
   similarity:
   [uncountable] fooled by the resemblance between them.
2. a degree, kind, or point in which two or more things seem similar to each other:
   [countable] a family resemblance between father and son.

See -semble-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•sem•blance  (ri zem′bləns), n. 

1. the state or fact of resembling;
   similarity.
2. a degree, kind, or point of likeness.
3. a likeness, appearance, or semblance of something.

• Anglo-French, equivalent. to resembl(er) to resemble + -ance -ance
• Middle English 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 1. Resemblance, similarity imply that there is a likeness between two or more people or things.
  Resemblance indicates primarily a likeness in appearance, either a striking one or one which merely serves as a reminder to the beholder:
  The boy has a strong resemblance to his father.
  Similarity may imply a surface likeness, but usually suggests also a likeness in other characteristics:
  There is a similarity in their tastes and behavior.
• 2. analogy, similitude.
• 3. image.

Antonyms

• 1. difference.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

resemblance / rɪˈzɛmbləns/ noun

1. the state or quality of resembling; likeness or similarity in nature, appearance, etc
2. the degree or extent to which or the respect in which a likeness exists
3. something resembling something else; semblance; likeness

reˈsemblant adjective