appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
Synonyms of appearance
1
a
: external show : semblance
Although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality.
b
: outward aspect : look
had a fierce appearance
c
appearances plural : outward indication
trying to keep up appearances
2
a
: a sense impression or aspect of a thing
The blue of distant hills is only an appearance.
b
: the world of sensible phenomena
3
a
: the act, action, or process of appearing
the first appearance of that word in English
b
law : the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney
4
a
: something that appears : phenomenon
b
: an instance of appearing : occurrence
her first public appearance since winning the award

Synonyms of appearance

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Examples of appearance in a Sentence

The general appearance of the house is quite good. The museum restored the painting to its original appearance. lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance. Have you noticed any changes in her appearance? He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive. Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Robert spent the prior six years with Chicago, hitting 38 home runs and stealing 20 bases in 2023, his best season and lone All-Star appearance. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The walls are finished in shiplap, while wooden beams round out the space, giving it a subtly cottage-like appearance. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 But if the reason you’re being drawn to improve your appearance comes from a place of in inadequacy and constant comparison to others, then this motivation may leave you at risk of developing restrictive or harmful behaviors. — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026 Radishes and lotus root, miso soup, tempura shrimp, and Omadofu, or creamy tofu, made appearances, as did soba noodles, small pieces of mackerel, and, on occasion, wagyu beef for grilling on a hibachi. — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appearance

Word History

Etymology

re-formation (after appear) of Middle English apparence, aparaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French apparaunce, apparence, borrowed from Late Latin appārentia, noun derivative of Latin appārent-, appārens, present participle of appārēre "to be visible, appear"

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of appearance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing appearance

Rhymes for appearance

See All Rhymes for appearance

Browse Nearby Words

appear
appearance
appearances to the contrary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appearance. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

appearance

noun
ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
1
: the way someone or something looks
the room has a cool appearance
gave every appearance of being healthy
keep up appearances
2
: the act, process, or an instance of appearing
3
: something that appears

Medical Definition

appearance

noun
ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
1
: the action or process of becoming evident to the senses
the sudden appearance of a rash on the body
2
: the outward or visible aspect of something
a tumor with a spongy appearance
appear
ə-ˈpi(ə)r How to pronounce appearance (audio)
intransitive verb

Legal Definition

appearance

noun
ap·​pear·​ance
1
: the presentation of oneself in court as a party to or as an attorney for a party to a lawsuit
also : a document filed in court by an attorney declaring his or her representation of a party to a lawsuit see also general appearance, special appearance
2
: outward look
a lawyer should avoid the appearance of impropriety

More from Merriam-Webster on appearance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about appearance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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