1 semblance | Definition of semblance

semblance

noun
sem·​blance | \ ˈsem-blÉ™n(t)s How to pronounce semblance (audio) \

Definition of semblance

1a : outward and often specious appearance or show : form wrapped in a semblance of composure— Harry Hervey
b : modicum has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people— Bayard Rustin
3a : a phantasmal form : apparition
4 : actual or apparent resemblance her story bears some semblance to the truth

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Examples of semblance in a Sentence

tried to project some semblance of confidence even though public speaking terrified her a used-car dealer with only a semblance of honesty

Recent Examples on the Web

Kirchner’s spending on social programs and an overvalued currency had offered a semblance of stability. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, "Argentina Considers a Return to Peronism," 28 Aug. 2019 There really is no semblance of a rotation — and comparisons are being drawn to the great Yankee clubs of 1998 and 1961. Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "A’s win; are they in the Yankees’ league?," 20 Aug. 2019 There is a semblance of bipartisanship (in Austin) because members of the minority party still hold committee chairmanships in the Texas Legislature. Greg Jefferson, ExpressNews.com, "Congressman Joaquin Castro talks about the tweet," 16 Aug. 2019 Garbus' key weapon is some semblance of objectivity. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Who Killed Garrett Phillips?': TV Review," 22 July 2019 Eye of the Tiger Now that Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII won’t have a single-player campaign, those looking for some semblance of story are stuck with the silly Zombies mode, which...eh. Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, "This week in games: Star Citizen is sued by a backer, The Culling 2 is yanked from Steam and more," 20 July 2018 Pompeo used his standing with the President as a selling point for a department in need of White House clout and a semblance of stability. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, "Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of Trump," 19 Aug. 2019 Smaller sharks might be okay, providing the aquarium gives them a semblance of a happy, healthy life. Georgia Frances King, Quartz, "Are aquariums moral? It’s complicated, says Jacques Cousteau’s grandson," 16 Aug. 2019 When wildfires devastated Santa Rosa two years ago, burning neighborhoods and much of Cardinal Newman’s campus, the football team provided a semblance of strength. Darren Sabedra, The Mercury News, "Bay Area Preps HQ football preview: No. 7 Cardinal Newman," 12 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'semblance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of semblance

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for semblance

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sembler to be like, seem — more at resemble

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More Definitions for semblance

semblance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of semblance

: the state of being somewhat like something but not truly or fully the same thing

semblance

noun
sem·​blance | \ ˈsem-blÉ™ns How to pronounce semblance (audio) \

Kids Definition of semblance

: outward appearance Everyone was rushing around with tools and wood and there was the semblance of a house emerging …— Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy

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