likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
2
3
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for likeness 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of likeness was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near likeness

Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likeness. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

likeness

noun
like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
: a picture especially of a person : portrait
2
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

More from Merriam-Webster on likeness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!