appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 
1
2
a
: a sense impression or aspect of a thing
The blue of distant hills is only an appearance.
b
: the world of sensible phenomena
3
a
: the act, action, or process of appearing
the first appearance of that word in English
b
law
: the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney
4
a
: something that appears : phenomenon
b
: an instance of appearing : occurrence
her first public appearance since winning the award
Synonyms
Examples of appearance in a Sentence
The general appearance of the house is quite good.
The museum restored the painting to its original appearance.
lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture
You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance.
Have you noticed any changes in her appearance?
He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive.
Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s intentional inclusion of pioneering, living country performers: Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, have multiple appearances.
—
Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
Last year’s festival saw appearances from Jon Batiste, Big Freedia, Thundercat, Herbie Hancock, Anderson Paak as DJ Pee Wee, and Big Gigantic in a jazz set.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2024
Oh at a Max exclusive screening in Orange County on April 6.
20 of 99
Blending Brands
George Kittle makes a ringside appearance at WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia on April 8 wearing merchandise from a new collaboration between Crocs and Pringles.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Nguyen is something of a progressive firebrand on social media and in public speaking appearances, and doesn't hide his political goals for the show.
—Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
There are a whole host of guests on Cowboy Carter who have already gotten a considerable bump from their appearance on the album.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2024
Chan explained that this appearance is actually for a role that requires him to look older.
—USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Still, the judge’s donations could give the appearance of conflict.
—William K. Rashbaum, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2024
Plus, the historic property had cameos in five Bond flicks and an appearance in Netflix’s The Crown.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
Last year’s festival saw appearances from Jon Batiste, Big Freedia, Thundercat, Herbie Hancock, Anderson Paak as DJ Pee Wee, and Big Gigantic in a jazz set.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2024
Oh at a Max exclusive screening in Orange County on April 6.
20 of 99
Blending Brands
George Kittle makes a ringside appearance at WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia on April 8 wearing merchandise from a new collaboration between Crocs and Pringles.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Nguyen is something of a progressive firebrand on social media and in public speaking appearances, and doesn't hide his political goals for the show.
—Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
There are a whole host of guests on Cowboy Carter who have already gotten a considerable bump from their appearance on the album.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2024
Chan explained that this appearance is actually for a role that requires him to look older.
—USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Still, the judge’s donations could give the appearance of conflict.
—William K. Rashbaum, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2024
Plus, the historic property had cameos in five Bond flicks and an appearance in Netflix’s The Crown.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appearance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near appearance
Cite this Entry
“Appearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appearance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s
1
: the way someone or something looks
the room has a cool appearance
gave every appearance of being healthy
keep up appearances
2
: the act, process, or an instance of appearing
3
: something that appears
Medical Definition
appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s
1
: the action or process of becoming evident to the senses
the sudden appearance of a rash on the body
2
: the outward or visible aspect of something
a tumor with a spongy appearance
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