resemble
8 synonyms and 5 antonyms for resemble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To look like or share qualities with someone or something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use resemble
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French resembler, from re- plus sembler ("to seem").
Full origin of resemble →Frequently asked questions
What does “resemble” mean?
The word “resemble” means to look like or share qualities with someone or something. In plain terms, to be similar to, or look like, someone or something.
How do you pronounce “resemble”?
“Resemble” is pronounced rih-ZEHM-buhl (/ɹɪˈzɛmbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “resemble” in a sentence?
Here is “resemble” used in a sentence: “The building resembles a giant seashell from the outside.”
What is another word for “resemble”?
Words with a similar meaning to “resemble” include mirror, duplicate, look like and smack of.
What is the opposite of “resemble”?
The opposite of “resemble” — its antonyms — are differ, connaturalize, assimilate, normalize and standardise.
What part of speech is “resemble”?
“Resemble” is a verb.
Where does the word “resemble” come from?
The word “resemble” comes from Old French. From Old French resembler, from re- plus sembler ("to seem").
Is “resemble” a common word?
“Resemble” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "resemble" and "look like"?
"Resemble" and "look like" are close synonyms, both meaning to share qualities or appearance with someone or something. "Resemble" is generally more formal and can apply to shared traits beyond just visual appearance, while "look like" is more casual and usually visual.
Is "resemble" a transitive or intransitive verb?
"Resemble" is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object, as in "She resembles her mother." It is not used with a preposition like "resemble to," which is a common mistake for non-native speakers.
Can "resemble" be used for non-physical similarities?
Yes, "resemble" can describe non-physical similarities, such as a plan resembling an earlier failed strategy, in addition to physical likeness between people or things. It broadly means to look like or share qualities with someone or something.