Resemble Meaning |10 Different Ways to Express Resemblance

Understanding the meaning and usage of “resembles” is essential for appreciating its alternatives. This article delves into the nuances of “resembles” and presents a range of expressive synonyms and phrases. By expanding your vocabulary, you can describe resemblances more vividly and precisely, enriching both your writing and everyday conversations. 

The English language is rich and diverse, offering a multitude of ways to express similarity between people, objects, or concepts. While the word “resembles” is commonly used to highlight likenesses, exploring a variety of alternative phrases can enhance your descriptive abilities. 

 What does resemble Mean?

Resemble” is a verb used to describe the likeness or similarity between two entities, whether they are people, objects, or concepts. When you say one thing resembles another, you are highlighting the fact that they share notable similarities in appearance, traits, or characteristics.

Examples:

People Resembling Each Other: 

“The twins remarkably resemble each other, not merely in their physical appearance but also in their mannerisms and daily habits.” In this example, “resemble” emphasizes that the twins share both physical features and personal characteristics, making it clear they are very similar.

Objects with Similar Appearance: 

“The antique vase on the shelf closely resembles the one we encountered at the museum, displaying intricate patterns and delicate craftsmanship.” Here, “resembles” is used to compare the vase on the shelf to a specific one seen at the museum, highlighting the visual similarities between the two objects.

Abstract Concepts and Real-Life Situations: 

“His dedication to his craft closely resembles a voyage of self-discovery, where each brushstroke unveils a fragment of his soul.” In this instance, “resembles” is used to draw a parallel between dedication and a journey of self-discovery, showing that the two concepts share a profound similarity.

Using “resembles” in these contexts helps to clearly convey the idea of similarity or likeness between the subjects being compared, whether they are people, objects, or abstract ideas.

Now, let’s explore “resemble meaning” through real-world examples:

Different Ways to Say “Resembles” 

Now that we’ve delved into the “resemble meaning” and understood its significance, let’s explore a range of expressive alternatives that can be used in its place. These alternatives, often in the form of phrasal verbs, offer a richer and more nuanced way to convey resemblance while enhancing your language skills.

Exploring the Alternatives and Phrasal Verbs for Resemble

Takes After

“Maria takes after her grandmother with her talent for painting and love for nature.” 

This phrase, “takes after,” signifies that Maria has inherited specific traits from her grandmother. Not only does she possess the same artistic talent, but she also shares a deep appreciation for the natural world. These inherited characteristics are often seen in families where skills and passions are passed down through generations. Maria’s painting skills and love for nature are clear reflections of her grandmother’s influence. The phrase highlights a familial resemblance in both abilities and interests.

Looks Like

“The new building looks like the old town hall, with its grand columns and ornate façade.” 

The expression “looks like” is used to draw a visual comparison between the new building and the old town hall. This similarity is primarily based on architectural features such as the grand columns and ornate façade. By using this phrase, one emphasizes the visual resemblance between the two structures. It suggests that the new building has been designed with elements that closely mimic the aesthetic of the old town hall. This kind of comparison helps paint a clear picture of the new building’s appearance.

Is the Spitting Image of

“Jamie is the spitting image of his uncle, right down to the same curly hair and dimples.” The phrase “is the spitting image of” highlights an almost identical resemblance between Jamie and his uncle. This expression is particularly strong, suggesting that the likeness is so close that they could easily be mistaken for each other. Specific features such as curly hair and dimples are mentioned to illustrate the striking physical similarity. It’s a vivid way to emphasize how closely Jamie mirrors his uncle in appearance. This phrase often conveys a sense of amazement at the near-perfect likeness.

Mirrors

“Her disciplined approach to work mirrors that of her mentor, who always emphasized precision and dedication.” 

Using the word “mirrors” indicates that her approach to work is a direct reflection of her mentor’s methods. This implies a high level of influence and imitation, particularly in terms of work ethic and style. Her emphasis on precision and dedication is a clear nod to her mentor’s teachings. This phrase effectively shows how closely her behavior and attitude align with those of her mentor. It suggests that she has adopted and internalized these qualities through close observation and practice.

Shares Similarities With

“The two scientific theories share similarities with their emphasis on quantum mechanics and particle behavior.” 

The phrase “shares similarities with” is used to indicate that the two scientific theories have notable common elements. Both theories focus on key aspects of quantum mechanics and particle behavior, highlighting their conceptual overlap. This expression underscores the likeness in their foundational principles. It helps to convey that despite any differences, there are significant areas where the theories align. This phrase is useful in academic and scientific contexts to point out parallels between complex ideas.

Is Reminiscent of

“The fragrance of the blooming flowers is reminiscent of her childhood garden.” 

“Is reminiscent of” suggests that the scent of the flowers evokes memories of her childhood garden. This phrase is often used to describe how one thing can bring back memories or remind someone of another thing due to similarity. The connection here is based on the sensory experience of smell. It highlights the powerful association between the current experience and past memories. This expression is effective in conveying emotional and sensory resemblance.

Bears a Resemblance to

“The sculpture bears a resemblance to ancient Greek art, with its detailed craftsmanship and expressive form.” 

The phrase “bears a resemblance to” is used to suggest that the sculpture has features similar to ancient Greek art. This resemblance is seen in the detailed craftsmanship and expressive form, which are characteristic of Greek artistic traditions. The expression indicates that while the sculpture may be a modern piece, it shares stylistic elements with historical art. It helps to create a connection between different time periods through visual similarities. This phrase is often used in art and design contexts to compare stylistic attributes.

Echoes

“His writing style echoes that of classic novelists, with rich descriptions and complex characters.” 

“Echoes” implies that his writing style strongly resembles that of classic novelists. This resemblance is found in the use of rich descriptions and the development of complex characters, which are hallmarks of classic literature. The phrase suggests that his writing captures the essence of traditional narrative techniques. It is an effective way to acknowledge the influence of classic authors on his work. This expression highlights a stylistic resemblance that honors literary traditions.

Parallels

“The plot of the movie parallels the events of the historical revolution, highlighting the struggle for freedom.” 

The phrase “parallels” is used to indicate that the movie’s plot closely follows or mirrors the events of a historical revolution. This similarity is particularly evident in themes of struggle and the quest for freedom. By using this expression, one suggests that the narrative structure and major themes of the movie reflect those of the historical events. It is a powerful way to draw connections between fictional stories and real-life history. This phrase often emphasizes thematic and structural likenesses.

Has the Hallmarks of

“The startup’s innovative culture has the hallmarks of tech giants like Google and Apple, fostering creativity and collaboration.” 

“Has the hallmarks of” indicates that the startup shares key characteristics with major tech companies like Google and Apple. These hallmarks include fostering an environment of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The phrase suggests that the startup exhibits traits that are typically associated with successful, pioneering companies. It is an effective way to convey that the startup is on a similar path of innovation. This expression highlights shared attributes that signal potential success.

30 synonyms of resemblance

Synonyms

• Similarity
• Likeness
• Similarness
• Similitude
• Affinity
• Correspondence
• Comparison
• Parallel
• Analogy
• Homogeneity
• Consistency
• Agreement
• Conformity
• Identity
• Likelihood
• Correlation
• Homology
• Relation
• Affiliation
• Reflection
• Homage
• Likelihood
• Accordance
• Harmony
• Propriety
• Association
• Parallelism
• Proportion
• Sameness
• Similarity

30 antonyms of resemblance

Antontms

• Difference
• Disparity
• Unlikeness
• Dissimilarity
• Contrast
• Divergence
• Variance
• Distinction
• Unrelatedness
• Incongruity
• Inequality
• Unsimilarity
• Variation
• Diversity
• Heterogeneity
• Disconnection
• Unfamiliarity
• Incompatibility
• Irrelevance
• Unrelatedness
• Nonconformity
• Disagreement
• Unalikeness
• Oppositeness
• Contradiction
• Unresemblance
• Unharmoniousness
• Unrelated
• Unlikely

FAQs

What is the other meaning of resemble?

Resemble primarily means to be similar to someone or something else in appearance, traits, or characteristics. Another way to understand it is to say that one thing resembles another when they share noticeable similarities.

What is an example of resemble?

An example of resemble would be: “The new student closely resembles his older brother, with the same curly hair and glasses.” Here, resembles indicates that the new student looks very much like his brother in terms of physical features.

What is the similar meaning of resemblance?

Resemblance refers to the state of being similar in appearance, traits, or characteristics. It can also mean the quality of having noticeable similarities or likenesses.

What word shares a similar meaning with resemble?

A word that shares a similar meaning with resemble is “look like.” Both phrases are used to highlight similarities in appearance or traits between two entities.

What does closely resemble mean?

Closely resemble means to bear a strong or significant likeness to something else. It implies that the similarities are notable and distinct, often suggesting a close match in appearance or characteristics.

When something resembles another thing?

When something resembles another thing, it means there are noticeable similarities between them. This could be in terms of physical appearance, behavior, qualities, or even concepts.

When does someone resemble another person?

When someone resembles another person, it means they look or behave similarly to that person. This resemblance can extend to physical features, mannerisms, or even personality traits.

What do you call someone you resemble?

When you resemble someone else closely in appearance, you can be called a look-alike or a double. These terms imply that there is a strong visual similarity between you and the other person. People often use these terms casually to describe someone who looks very much like another individual, whether they are related or not.

What is the idiom of resemblance?

The idiom “spitting image” is used to describe someone who bears a very strong physical resemblance to another person, typically a family member. It implies that the similarity is so remarkable that the two individuals look almost identical, as if one could be the other’s reflection or duplicate.

What does uncanny resemblance mean?

Uncanny resemblance refers to a similarity between two things or people that is so striking and unexpected that it feels eerie or unsettling. The word “uncanny” suggests something strange or mysterious, adding a sense of surprise or even discomfort because of the strong likeness that seems almost too perfect or coincidental.

What is the meaning of strong resemblance?

Strong resemblance indicates a significant and easily recognizable similarity between two things or individuals. It suggests that the likeness is pronounced and not subtle, making it obvious to observers. This term is used to emphasize how closely two entities resemble each other in appearance, traits, or characteristics.

What does resemble characteristics mean?

When something resembles characteristics, it means that it shares specific traits, qualities, or features with another entity. For example, if a child resembles their parent’s characteristics, it could mean they have similar physical features, mannerisms, or personality traits. This phrase is used to describe how two entities exhibit common attributes that make them alike in certain respects.

Final tips

In conclusion, the concept of resemblance is integral to our ability to articulate similarities and connections between various entities, whether they be individuals, objects, or ideas. Through a diverse range of synonyms such as similarity, likeness, and analogy, we enrich our language and deepen our understanding of how things relate to one another. Whether describing physical appearances, shared traits, or thematic parallels, these terms allow us to communicate nuances effectively. Embracing this variety enhances our capacity to express observations and insights with clarity and precision in both everyday conversations and specialized discourse.