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Definition of seem

seem

/siːm/
seem
Adverb:seemingly
•
Adjective:seeming
•
Past Simple:seemed
•
Past Participle:seemed
•
Present Participle:seeming
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seem Lexical Profile

seem Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To give the impression or sensation of being something or having a particular quality.

Example

"The new schedule might seem complicated at first, but everyone will adjust to it quickly."

2

To appear to one's own mind, judgment, or perception as likely or true.

Example

"It seems to me that we need more data before making a final decision on the budget."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for seem
Antonyms
View all antonyms for seem

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse "seem" with its homophone "seam" (a line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together). Grammatically, "seem" functions as a linking verb and takes a predicate adjective (e.g., "she seems happy") rather than an adverb.

• Rhymes for seem

• Nearby Words

seeing
seek
seeker
seem
seeming
seemingly
seemliness

Word Origin & Etymology

Adopted into Middle English as semen from Old Norse sæma, meaning "to honor, conform to, or be fitting," which gradually shifted to the modern sense of "to appear to be."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Seem. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/seem
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