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

In brand and likeness, Sabonis is not flashy compared to some of the other top stars at the pinnacle of the sport today. —Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024

In an August 2023 interview with Audacy Live, Sheeran expressed discomfort with how accurately AI can replicate someone's vocals and likeness. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Burtka opted for the likeness of Poseidon the god of the sea, carrying a trident and wearing shelled armor. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Here’s What to Know About ‘Black Ops 6’ Passing on the fedora While Harrison Ford’s likeness is used for Indiana Jones, the person portraying him via motion capture and VO is veteran voice actor Troy Baker. —George Yang, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

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