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

Examples 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 Karen Willis demanded that Trump cease using the band's image and likeness, threatening legal action against the campaign for the unauthorized use of both the band's image and music. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 He was also forbidden from using his likeness to market any other products. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024 In 2023, Hilton also shared two throwback photos of the trio on their infamous night out — along with snapshots of the Bratz dolls made in their likeness. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024 In one part, the character Moni has a near-death experience, and an evil likeness of Simea presents itself to Moana. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for likeness 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • Footage and images from the scene match the scene shown in the Facebook video, showing the same small white plane in the same position on the side of the highway.
    Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • In preliminary tests, the model excels at three critical tasks: segmentation (dividing images into distinct anatomical parts), classification (categorizing images based on medical conditions), and visual localization (precisely identifying specific features like fractures or tumors).
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • One Florida man has set himself miles, or rather feet, apart from his neighbors this holiday season by constructing a massive replica of a classic Christmas film.
    Danielle Jennings, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
  • As life-like, responsive AI replicas of humans become a reality, a new era of digital engagement is emerging—one that's as immersive as live shopping but powered by intelligent, action-capable agents.
    Hassaan Raza, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Three days later, a handful of fans gathered in Elysian Park for a Banda lookalike contest, with seven contestants showing off their resemblance to the bespectacled and heavily tatted Dodgers reliever, who emerged as something of a cult hero this season.
    Mike DiGiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The sudden appearance of Elsie, who bears more than a passing resemblance to the character of Gollum from The Lord of the Rings movies, causes Snell to let out an audible gasp.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Nonetheless, viewing a depiction of business value and technical value on X and Y axes portrays a more integrative approach to enterprise storage.
    Eric Herzog, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • This small house contained a number of sensual, mythic depictions.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The book also paints a vivid picture of what your life was like at the time.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Several team owners conceded problems with other post-grad teams but painted rosy pictures of their own.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The similarities among these places are real, because Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and, until now, Syria all belong to an informal network of autocracies.
    Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Law, whose slow-burn performance is unlike any prior role from his four decades on stage and screen, says the similarities between Husk and Mathews as two opposites of the same coin are at the core of The Order’s dramatic tension.
    Ali Winston, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The portraits Joseph took for the agency captured the dignity of the women at work on SS George Washington Carver, exactly what the propaganda agency wanted to show.
    April White, JSTOR Daily, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The federal government issued $2 currency notes beginning in 1862, which first had a portrait of Alexander Hamilton on the cover.
    John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The couple gave birth to Blue Ivy in January 2012, followed by twins Sir and Rumi, born in 2017.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Few have been able to capture the attention of the fashion industry, and beyond it, quite like the Olsen twins.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near likeness

Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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