semblance
Mere surface likeness
Semblance is an outward appearance or show, especially one that may not reflect reality.
It often appears with qualifiers suggesting approximation or pretense: some semblance of order, a semblance of normalcy.
To maintain a semblance of something is to keep up appearances even when the substance is lacking: She tried to restore some semblance of dignity after the fall.
Visual similarity or representation
- lookDirect one's gaze
- aspectFeature or dimension
- formShape or document
- shapeExternal outline of something
figure · outline · image · impression · air · guise · exterior · surface
Deceptive outward appearance
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- maskFace-worn concealment
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- charadeAbsurd or obvious pretense
sham · cover · smokescreen · deception · artifice · affectation · posturing · show
Visual similarity or representation
- similitudeQuality of being alike
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
approximation · parallel · equivalence · comparison · congruence · alikeness · sameness · match
likeness
Visual similarity or representation
shape · figure · outline · image · impression · air · guise · exterior · surface · face
facade
Deceptive outward appearance
charade · sham · cover · smokescreen · deception · artifice · affectation · posturing · show · front
likeness
Visual similarity or representation
- similitudeQuality of being alike
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- analogyExplanatory likeness between things
affinity · approximation · parallel · equivalence · comparison · congruence · alikeness · sameness · match · closeness
- realismrealism, representational, figurative, naturalism, realist art
- imitationcopy, copycat, imitation, mimicking, replica
- illusionsmirage, optical illusion, hallucination, illusion, afterimage
- unreal thingsillusion, delusion, fantasy, fiction, imaginary
- detailsdetail, particular, specific, fact, point
- facadesfacade, curtain walls, front, glass facades, false front
semblancereality
What actually exists
actuality · genuineness · substance · authenticity · truth
semblancecandor
Unguarded truthfulness
frankness · openness · forthrightness · directness · straightforwardness
semblancedifference
Way things contrast
dissimilarity · contrast · distinction · unlikeness · divergence