resemble

verb

re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl How to pronounce resemble (audio)
resembled; resembling ri-ˈzem-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce resemble (audio)
Synonyms of resemble

transitive verb

1
: to be like or similar to
he resembles his father
2
archaic : to represent as like

Examples of resemble in a Sentence

He strongly resembles his father in appearance and in temperament. Terrier dogs closely resemble each other.
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.
One Baguette is covered in a kaleidoscopic geometric pattern of colorful beads; another resembles a tiny textile artwork in dusty pink, green, and turquoise. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Xiao An re-engineered the rear chassis, modified the swingarm, and fabricated custom rigid struts styled to resemble streamlined shocks. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 In its blending of Elizabethan language and contemporary imagery, Jarman’s vision resembles the Ian McKellen version of Richard III crossbred with a Robert Mapplethorpe photo shoot. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 This resembles Sequoia Capital’s recent argument that AI separates intelligence from judgment. — Mark Lewis, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resemble

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resemblen, rasemblen "to be like, compare," borrowed from Anglo-French resembler, rasembler "to be like, appear to be, compare (to)" (also continental Old French), from re- re- + sembler "to look like, seem to be" — more at semblance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for resemble

See All Rhymes for resemble

Browse Nearby Words

resemblant
resemble
resembler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resemble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resemble. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

resemble

verb
re·​sem·​ble ri-ˈzem-bəl How to pronounce resemble (audio)
resembled; resembling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce resemble (audio)
: to be like or similar to
he resembles his father

More from Merriam-Webster on resemble

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for resemble

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