English Reference
adjective · noun

resembling

adj. · n.
US /ɹiˈzɛmbəɫɪŋ/ UK /ɹɪsˈɛmblɪŋ/ re·sem·bling

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.looking like or having similar qualities to something else.

    adj.having a physical or conceptual likeness to another entity; often functions as a participial adjective.

    Simple

    He found a small stone resembling a heart while walking on the beach.

    In context

    The researchers discovered a new species of deep-sea fish with features closely resembling those of ancient fossils found in the same region.

    Usage

    Usually followed directly by a noun phrase without a preposition.

    Pitfall
    The building is resembling to a ship. The building is resembling a ship.

    The word 'resembling' is followed directly by the noun it describes; do not use the preposition 'to'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the state or act of being like something else.

    n.the gerundial act of bearing a likeness to something; used less frequently than the adjective or verb forms.

    Simple

    The resembling of the two signatures was so close that it fooled the bank.

    In context

    The uncanny resembling of the counterfeit notes to the originals posed a significant challenge for the local authorities.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' to describe the relationship between two things.

Together, the two electronic phases form something resembling an atomic-scale checkerboard.

ScienceDaily· 20 Aug 2026

A brilliant field of red, white, and blue stars sparkles across a new image from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, resembling a sparkler glowing against the night sky.

ScienceDaily· 5 Jul 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated