I only/just/merely look like him

[Alexey86]

A: You look just like your father.
B: Well, I only/just/merely look like him, but we're different in character.
(The dialog was made up by me.)

By default, I would use just, but maybe only or merely would sound better since just was used in a different sense by A.
What do you think?

I also have many alternative combinations in mind: It's only/just/merely an apparent/superficial/physical/visual similarity/resemblance.
All combinations sound fine to me, except for the ones with physical/visual. I would more likely choose them if I talked about inanimate objects.

Which combination(s) would you use?

 

[GoesStation]

There's no need for an adjective. "But" in the second clause expresses the idea. Say "Well, I look like him, but we're different in character."

 

[Alexey86]

"But" in the second clause expresses the idea.

OK, let's remove the last part:

A: You look just like your father.
B(1): Well, I only/just/merely look like him.
B(2): It's only/just/merely an apparent/superficial/physical/visual similarity/resemblance.

 

[GoesStation]

The first two adjectives work in B(1) and B(2). "Merely" isn't quite right.

 

[tedmc]

How about: I may look like him, but we are different in character?

 

[Tarheel]

You could say it like this.

Yes, but I only look like him.

 

[emsr2d2]

I wouldn't repeat the "look like him" part.

Jim: You look just like your father.
Bob: I do, but that's where the resemblance ends.

 

[jutfrank]

There's no need for an adjective.

The first two adjectives work in B(1) and B(2).

Adverbs, not adjectives.

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forum, Chadzo.

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[Charlie Bernstein]

A: You look just like your father.
B: Well, I only/just/merely look like him, but we're different in character.
(The dialog was made up by me.)

By default, I would use just, but maybe only or merely would sound better since just was used in a different sense by A.
What do you think?

You're right, just is the best choice. Second-best is only. Merely would sound snooty.

I also have many alternative combinations in mind: It's only/just/merely an apparent/superficial/physical/visual similarity/resemblance.
All combinations sound fine to me, except for the ones with physical/visual.

None of those are natural in conversation. Exept for visual, they might work in writing. But it might seem wordy.

I would more likely choose them if I talked about inanimate objects.

I wouldn't.

Which combination(s) would you use?

As we say in the US: Another county heard from!

 

[Tarheel]

There's always more than one way to say the same thing.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

There's always more than one way to say the same thing.

You can say that again!