likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms of likeness

• image
• depiction
• portrait
• illustration
• picture

Choose the Right Synonym for likeness

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy 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

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

a stamp bearing the likeness of a president

There's some likeness between them.

There's an uncanny likeness between them.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yuan has already experimented with the concept himself—using an AI version of his likeness to join an earnings call last year. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026

That likeness can then be sold on to studios or brands for use in shows, movies or ads. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026

College players weren’t allowed to earn money from their athletic skills until 2021, when the NCAA changed the rules to give students an opportunity to profit from their name, image and likeness. —Rob Maaddi, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

This is the state of play in the new college sports landscape, in the era of NIL (name, image and likeness) payments. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

Rhymes for likeness

• unlikeness

Kids Definition

likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: a picture especially of a person : portrait

2

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance