liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlī-kə-niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)
ˈlīk-niŋ

transitive verb

: to represent as similar : compare

Examples of liken in a Sentence

he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent.
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.
Some right-wing critics derided the film after Gunn likened Superman to an immigrant in an interview with The Sunday Times. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 The revival's planned 11th season was canceled after Barr, who played the titular matriarch of the working-class Conner family, sent a tweet likening Valerie Jarrett, a former advisor to President Barack Obama, to an ape. Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 11 July 2025 Edwards likens the idea of using proxies to political polling — directionally helpful but not precise. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 July 2025 And despite the comparisons likening Charlotte’s new jerseys to the Ohio Bobcats’, the helmet stripe was Albin’s only involvement in the new look. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for liken

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liken. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

liken

verb
lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlīk-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on liken

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!