lifelike

adjective

life·​like ˈlīf-ˌlīk How to pronounce lifelike (audio)
: accurately representing or imitating real life
a lifelike portrait
lifelikeness noun

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
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.
The petite gateau may be the most lifelike of them all, with a deep red color and a furry velvet exterior. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025 To build machines with lifelike autonomy, researchers are turning to a new concept: autonomous physical intelligence (API). New Atlas, 29 June 2025 Google’s new video-generator, Veo 3, is capable of generating lifelike video. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Disney artisans promise that the robotic figure will be one of its most lifelike to date. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifelike

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifelike was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifelike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifelike. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lifelike

adjective
life·​like ˈlī-ˌflīk How to pronounce lifelike (audio)
: accurately representing or imitating an actual living thing
a lifelike statue
lifelikeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lifelike

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!