likeness

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word likeness distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of likeness are analogy, resemblance, similarity, and similitude. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use analogy instead of likeness?

In some situations, the words analogy and likeness are roughly equivalent. However, analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

When is resemblance a more appropriate choice than likeness?

The words resemblance and likeness are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When can similitude be used instead of likeness?

The meanings of similitude and likeness largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of likeness The case situates the tension between amateurism, pay-for-play, and name, image, and likeness. Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 In a statement shared on April 9, YouTube announced its support for the bill as well as updating its privacy policy to protect individuals’ likenesses. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025 The bipartisan, bicameral bill is intended to advance creators’ rights by protecting their voices and likenesses from the unauthorized creation and use of digital replicas. Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025 Protecting voice and likeness as AI grows is too important. Mitch Glazier, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • The New Yorker received the National Magazine Award for photography, winning for images illustrating three very distinct stories.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The images feature the brand’s ready-to-wear, custom and bespoke suits, the latter of which are available by appointment with the company’s master tailor.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Joey Spencer Results, Highlights And Reaction David Bowie’s Double LP The project is being released as a double LP and CD, both of which will come packaged with a replica poster from the original event.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • When Medina instead lifts his right arm, which held the replica gun, officers open fire, striking Medina multiple times.
    Max Levy, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Creating timepieces that bear little resemblance to ordinary wristwatches (which traditionally feature a dial plate and hands, and attached by a strap, designed to be worn around the wrist) may seem like an unexpected move for Chanel, known for its classic styles.
    Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Today the flat features a sleek, minimalist kitchen; a formal dining room for 10; a study; and a primary suite with large bay windows, a dressing room, and a very modern bathroom that likely bears little resemblance to Jagger’s days.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The sneakers feature multi-tone green denim, fire-orange stitching that mimics trichome-rich buds [those little orange hairs on the bud], and a tongue-in-cheek nod to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam with the depiction of God and Adam passing a blunt.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The core audience for screen depictions of Hollywood has always been Hollywood itself.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Having access to this kind of DNA evidence allows for researchers to build a more detailed picture of their lives.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The hospital had also uploaded Millie's picture to the same free platform, which is run by donations.
    Analisa Novak, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Despite surface similarities, there was no official connection between the two shows.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The plan bears similarities to the U.K.’s AI Action Plan announced earlier this year.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But in the broader context, the sequence depicted something deeper — a portrait of a Thunder team that isn’t just young and talented but wired to compete on every possession, down to the final buzzer.
    Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • While body makeup was at play, the actor — whose tats range from tributes to old girlfriends to a portrait of Hillary Clinton — is well on his way to a clean slate.
    Brittany Talarico, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The episode opens with the voiceover and the hero twins reenacting the Ye’iitsoh mythology in a play.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The athlete and model recently sent her only daughter and twin, Lauren Jolie Lockwood, off to prom.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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