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

He’s signed a name, image and likeness deal worth nearly $7 million. —Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

Then the offers of name, image and likeness payments started pouring in. —Bruce Schoenfeld, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

At the center of the issue, according to Yahoo: Lucas signed a revenue-sharing agreement that is supposed to bind him to Wisconsin for two years while giving the school exclusive use of his name, image and likeness. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2025

The landscape of college athletics has changed dramatically since student-athletes were allowed to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL). —Nolan Kohorst, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2025

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