semblance

Meanings

1. 1nounsingular

   A small amount or outward show of a quality, which may not be fully real.

   Grammar: Usually a semblance of something.

   Patterns

   • a semblance of something

   After the storm, the town returned to a semblance of normal life.

   He kept a semblance of calm during the meeting.

   The room had barely a semblance of order.

2. 2nounsingular

   An outer appearance, often hiding the truth.

   Grammar: Used when a surface look differs from reality.

   Patterns

   • a semblance of something

   She gave the semblance of interest while her mind wandered.

   The company kept up a semblance of unity.

   They put on a semblance of friendship in public.

Word forms

Common combinations

a semblance of normality

They tried to keep a semblance of normality.

a semblance of order

Volunteers restored a semblance of order.

a semblance of control

She kept a semblance of control.

a semblance of peace

A semblance of peace returned.

barely a semblance

There was barely a semblance of a plan.

Synonyms and how they differ

appearance

Appearance is neutral and may be true, while semblance often hints that the look is thin or false.

veneer

Veneer suggests a thin deceptive surface covering something worse.

facade

Facade is a more deliberate, often built-up front, while semblance can be small.

trace

Trace means a tiny real remaining amount, not just an appearance.

Opposites

Word family

resemble verb

to look like

resemblance noun

a similarity in appearance

semblable adjective

archaic word meaning similar

Commonly confused: semblance or resemblance?

Practice

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