Synonyms for seem
- verb
Definitions
- v. 1
To appear; to look outwardly; to be perceived as.
It seems a pity, but I can't see you this weekend.
Related words
- Word family
- seeming seemingly seemlihood seemliness seemly
Forms
- Past participle
- seemed
e.g. seemed → appeared, looked, shown…
Choose the right word
Seem applies to what is manifest to the mind on reflection.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- appear Tom and Mary both appear to be in a cheerful mood.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| seem | steady | |
| appear | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- look1, show1
- 6 letters
- appear2
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (appear2 = 2 syllables).