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 ability to earn money for their name, image and likeness (NIL), which was granted in 2021, is another carrot alluring players to stick around longer. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Yes, the Kentucky brand and strong name, image and likeness financial support aided Pope in his efforts. —Jesse Temple, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

After the game, Willard defends his comments questioning Maryland’s name, image and likeness funds compared with those of other Big Ten counterparts. —C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025

The idea is that, if a model is busy with a shoot in New York, their digital likeness can be used instead of a shoot that would have otherwise needed to take place in Los Angeles on the same day. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 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