likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

• icon
• ikon
• illustration
• image
• picture

Choose the Right Synonym for likeness

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father

some similarity between the two cases

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

a stamp bearing the likeness of a president

There's some likeness between them.

There's an uncanny likeness between them.

Recent Examples on the Web

The video message created by Christopher Pelkey's sister that used his likeness and voice during the May 1 sentencing was the first time the technology was used in an Arizona court at a sentencing, according to records. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 9 May 2025

Pelkey’s sister, Stacey Wales, told Fox 10 that she was inspired to use AI to recreate Pelkey’s likeness after trying to collect victim impact statements for the trial. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2025

In the Carlin case, the lawsuit ended in a settlement, and the creators agreed to remove the content and stop using his likeness. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

With the advent of name, image and likeness (and the resultant influx of cash for top players), college hoops has fought back. —Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

Rhymes for likeness

• unlikeness

Kids Definition

likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: a picture especially of a person : portrait

2

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance