1. the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
2. a small amount or trace of something

Examples

• The old building maintained some semblance of its former grandeur.
• She tried to keep a semblance of normalcy during the crisis.
• There wasn’t even a semblance of order in the chaotic classroom.
• His story bore no semblance to the truth.
• The team showed some semblance of improvement this season.
• Without any semblance of doubt, she knew she was right.
• The meeting had only a semblance of democracy.