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

Perhaps Musk will give a ride on the ship to some of those superfluous former government workers, rendering them immigrants in his likeness. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025

But both Emily and Stephanie know that Stephanie is going to say yes, even before Emily lightly threatens to sue her best frenemy for using her likeness without permission. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2025

Another likeness to New Orleans lies in the traces of Italian immigrant history, including the infamous family name on the storefront at Maceo Italian Spices and Imports. —Mariah Tyler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025

Among the pieces are two sketches of the 12 apostles (the disciples of Jesus in the New Testament), which Pope Julius II, who commissioned the work, wanted Michelangelo to include in the upper corners of the ceiling, but whose likeness was ultimately scrapped by the artist. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 6 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