# resembling

/ɹiˈzɛmbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɛmblɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/resembling
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. looking like

adjective · CEFR B2

looking like or having similar qualities to something else.

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

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

### 2. the act of being similar

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the state or act of being like something else.

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

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

## Examples

- The new building is resembling a giant glass pyramid.
- The scientist discovered a new species of insect with wings closely resembling a dried leaf.
- The artist spent years perfecting a technique for painting clouds that were so realistic they were frequently described as resembling high-resolution photographs rather than oil on canvas.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.