likeness

1
2
3

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 With secondary education salaries, however, funding Cooper’s dreams in Texas — a state without name, image and likeness payments for high schoolers — has been a challenge. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2025 Szames’ likeness and story are part of the RUTH exhibition, which opened in January and includes life-size cutouts and keepsakes of San Diego County survivors of the Nazi extermination campaign against European Jews. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025 Reservoir and the estate will share control of Davis’ name and likeness. Walden Green, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025 The deal also includes an agreement between Reservoir and the estate to share control of Davis’ name, image, and likeness. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • Hey Alexa, create an image of traders popping champagne in the New York Stock Exchange.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • In images taken from the Israel-Gaza border on Tuesday, plumes of smoke could be seen rising above the city, which is the largest in the Gaza Strip.
    Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There is also an actual mechanical shark that visitors can manipulate, albeit a scale replica.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • One of the new additions to the lobby is a replica of a 1925 chandelier, recreated by artisans from photos that were discovered of the original ornate light fixture.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The look bore a similar resemblance to her 1990s runway style, which almost always included choppy, short — and sometimes spiky — layers no longer than her ears.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, the resemblance was uncanny, from their matching smiles to their auburn-red hair, which Julia wore down in loose waves and Emma styled in a messy ponytail.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • How does reality stack up against its famous Hollywood depiction?
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In the early colonial period, publications often contained collections of high-profile personalities’ portraits, starting with the depiction of high-ranking Japanese colonial officials began in 1896, with an illustrated account of the Japanese conquest of the island.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In a picture released by the Shin Bet, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Netanyahu’s chief of staff are seen peering over his shoulders.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Think an agent managing a sales pipeline by combining CRM data, support tickets, and financial reports to deliver a full customer picture.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are plenty of similarities to the previous campaign, with the No 10 — now Wirtz — pushing up to the last line alongside the striker, while Salah stays high on the right wing.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • But the similarities are definitely there.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Both his African heritage and his new exploration of the verisimilitudes and vagaries of New York City life paint the ongoing development of The Watchman, sometimes featured as the key figure as in the monumental portrait, AH!
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Toward the end of the colonial period, portrait photography records yet another cultural shift.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The paper also highlights the potential of digital twins — virtual patient replicas that allow doctors to simulate treatments before applying them in real life.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Cadence has expanded this technology beyond chip design towards creating digital twins of data centers including all the functional components.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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!