Appearance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s/ ap·pear·ance

Meaning & Definition of Appearance

Appearance (noun)

  1. external show, semblance
  2. outward aspect, look
  3. outward indication

Appearance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality

    "the dignified appearance of this church leader"

    "the country club's manicured lawns and well-groomed appearance in general"

    similar: aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, mien, outside, presence, regard (archaic), cut of one's jib
    related: air, attitude, bearing, behavior, comportment, demeanor, deportment, manner, poise, pose, carriage, posture, stance, cast, mold, shape, turn, color, coloring, complexion, countenance, face, features, habit, habitus, person (archaic), physiognomy, superficies, visage

  2. outward and often deceptive indication

    "can't you at least give the appearance of listening to what I say?"

    similar: face, guise, name, outward, seeming, semblance, show, first blush
    related: air, effect, impression, hint, implication, insinuation, resemblance, suggestion, affectation, demonstration, display, fiction, image, imitation, imposture, likeness, make-believe, pose, pretense, representation, simulation, cloak, disguise, exterior, facade, front, gloss, mask, masquerade, patina, Potemkin village, shape, shell, surface, veneer

  3. the act of coming upon a scene

    "his appearance at the party caused considerable speculation"

    similar: advent, arrival, coming, incoming
    related: approach, entrance, ingress, beginning, birth, commencement, dawn, dawning, debut, genesis, inception, morning, onset, start
    opposite: decamping, decampment, departing, departure, disappearance, exit, exiting, farewell, going, leave-taking, parting, quitting
    near: dissipation, dissolution, evaporation, fadeaway, fading, melting, passing, vanishing, clearing out, egress, leaving, retirement, retreat, withdrawal, emigration, evacuation, exodus

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Appearance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Appearance:

Archaic: regard
aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, mien, outside, presence, face, guise, name, outward, seeming, semblance, show, advent, arrival, coming, incoming, cut of one's jib, first blush

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Appearance

Words with the opposite meaning of Appearance:

decamping, decampment, departing, departure, disappearance, exit, exiting, farewell, going, leave-taking, parting, quitting

Related Words for Appearance

air, attitude, bearing, behavior, comportment, demeanor, deportment, manner, poise, pose, carriage, posture, stance, cast, mold, shape, turn, color, coloring, complexion, countenance, features, habit, habitus, person, physiognomy, superficies, visage, effect, impression

Near Antonyms of Appearance

dissipation, dissolution, evaporation, fadeaway, fading, melting, passing, vanishing, clearing out, egress, leaving, retirement, retreat, withdrawal, emigration, evacuation, exodus

Origin & Etymology of Appearance

re-formation (after appear) of Middle English apparence, aparaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French apparaunce, apparence, borrowed from Late Latin appārentia, noun derivative of Latin appārent-, appārens, present participle of appārēre "to be visible, appear"

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Appearance

Words & Phrases Containing Appearance

court appearance, give every appearance of, give one the appearance of, guest appearance, have the appearance, in appearance, make an appearance, physical appearance, put in an appearance

Frequently Asked Questions about Appearance

What does "Appearance" mean?

"Appearance" means external show, semblance. As a noun, it is defined as: external show, semblance. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Appearance"?

Other words for "Appearance" include aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, mien, outside and presence. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Appearance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Appearance"?

There are 96 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Appearance". Common alternatives include aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, mien, outside, presence, regard and face.

What is the opposite of "Appearance"?

Antonyms of "Appearance" include decamping, decampment, departing, departure, disappearance, exit, exiting and farewell. Near antonyms include dissipation, dissolution, evaporation and fadeaway.

How do you use "Appearance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Appearance" in a sentence: "the dignified appearance of this church leader"; "the country club's manicured lawns and well-groomed appearance in general"; "can't you at least give the appearance of listening to what I say?".

Is "Appearance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Appearance" is a noun.

Is "Appearance" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Appearance" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Appearance"?

"Appearance" is pronounced /ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as ap·pear·ance.