likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

• image
• depiction
• portrait
• illustration
• 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 jury also found the same seven dolls misappropriated the OMG Girlz’ name, likeness, or identity. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025

Since then, Stone has been a front row fixture at fashion week — attending the shows of Balenciaga as well as Diesel, Jean Paul Gaultier and Hugo Boss — always in the uncanny likeness of a familiar face. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 9 July 2025

Since name, image and likeness compensation was introduced in 2021, money has become an increasingly standard part of the recruiting conversation. —Justin Williams, New York Times, 8 July 2025

Five years later, the musician filed a lawsuit against GBG seeking $25 million for false endorsement, misappropriation of likeness and violating his publicity rights, over the launch the prior fall of a women’s collection with U.K. fast-fashion retailer Missguided Unlimited. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 2 July 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