lifelike

adjective

life·​like ˈlīf-ˌlīk 

: accurately representing or imitating real life

a lifelike portrait

lifelikeness noun

Synonyms of lifelike

• realistic
• living
• naturalistic
• natural
• vivid
• three-dimensional

Examples of lifelike in a Sentence

The graphics in the video game are more lifelike than we imagined they would be.

the eyes of the lifelike portrait seem to follow visitors around the room

Recent Examples on the Web

Ultra-realistic humanoid robots are being developed with silicone skin, lifelike facial expressions, natural voices and simulated emotions. — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

McBride fears the law would interfere with the making of devices like the one that activates his lifelike hand. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

The 1960 series Supercar marked the debut of supermarionation, an electronic system that makes marionettes more lifelike and convincing on screen. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Earlier designs of minimal cells, used to test which components are necessary for lifelike behavior, began with existing living cells and reduced the size of their genomes. — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lifelike

• businesslike
• ladylike
• motorbike
• workmanlike
• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike

Kids Definition

lifelike

adjective

life·​like ˈlī-ˌflīk 

: accurately representing or imitating an actual living thing

a lifelike statue

lifelikeness noun