American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition appearance in American English

appearance noun

noun
/əˈpɪrəns/
1

the way that someone or something looks

Example

His thinning hair gave him the appearance of a much older man.

Example

Recent initiatives have done a lot to improve the appearance of the district.

Example

The twins are almost identical in appearance.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

the way that someone or something looks, when this is different from the way it really is

Example

He doesn't look well off, but you shouldn't judge by appearances.

Example

He had always given the appearance of agreeing with her ideas.

Example

She was, to all appearances, enjoying the challenges of the new job.

Synonyms and related words
2

the time when something starts to exist or be seen

Example

The disease is contagious only before the appearance of its initial symptoms.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

the fact of someone appearing, especially when you do not expect them

Example

Julie's sudden appearance in the doorway startled me.

Synonyms and related words
3

an occasion when you are on television or in a play, movie, concert, etc.

Example

a public appearance

Example

She has made numerous appearances on TV game shows.

Synonyms and related words
4

an occasion when you go to a court of law, committee, or similar institution so that people can ask you questions and make decisions about you

Example

He has had 14 other court appearances.

Synonyms and related words
Definition appearance in American English