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)

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 Both of his big toes included the Texas pickle brand’s logo, and his remaining toes included intricate nail art to resemble pickles. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 But that was before the streaming market began to resemble an overcrowded cereal aisle at the grocery store. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 4 Mar. 2024 Like many traditional Easter breads, this one is packed with Christian symbolism: The shape of the bread is meant to resemble the crown of thorns worn by Jesus when he was crucified, and the eggs are a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 As totality nears, Baily’s beads will quickly disappear until a single point of light remains, resembling a glistening giant diamond ring. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Later that month, the reality star stepped out in a pair of split-toe Balenciaga flip-flops that resemble a pair of disposable pedicure sandals for a very normal price of $450. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2024 Faded gold and white stripes decorate the roof of beloved Sacramento restaurant Pancake Circus, resembling a circus tent. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 29 Feb. 2024 A couple of the speakers referenced a website filled with anti-Semitic, homophobic, transphobic, and other hateful material that included what appeared to be a logo that resembles a Nazi flag. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2024 Millwork-trim cabinetry fits right into a traditional-style home and resembles a paneled wall that conceals functional items. Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resemble.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near resemble

Cite this Entry

“Resemble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resemble. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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