likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

• 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

Williams joins a roster of other groundbreaking athletes previously honored in the series, with each doll designed to reflect not just physical likeness, but also the achievements and personal style that made these women icons. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 13 Aug. 2025

The change meant Priscilla lost influence over her daughter’s assets, including Graceland mansion, its archives, and Lisa Marie’s 15 percent interest in Elvis Presley Enterprises, the company that owns and manages Elvis’ name, image, and likeness. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025

The plaintiffs add that Presley continues to profit by exploiting her name, image and likeness using the LLCs that Kruse and Fialko set up. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025

For those who are not familiar, on June 6, 2025, the U.S. District Courts approved a landmark settlement that essentially allows college athletic programs to directly compensate student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). —Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025

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