liken

1 of 2

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən 

likened; likening ˈlī-kə-niŋ 

ˈlīk-niŋ

transitive verb

: to represent as similar : compare

likin

2 of 2

noun

li·​kin

variants or less commonly lekin or liken

ˈlēˈkēn

plural -s

: a former Chinese provincial tax at inland stations on imports or articles in transit

Synonyms of liken

Verb

• compare
• equate

Examples of liken in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

In conversation with Josh Horowitz at the 92nd Street Y on Wednesday, June 24, Brown, 22, opened up about her transition into action films — and likened herself to the Top Gun actor. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

The second album this year from metalcore pioneers Converge is named for a mysterious, pulsing, low-frequency ambient drone, likened by those who hear it to a diesel engine, an idling airplane, or a kind of inescapable torture. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026

Lucas Gelfond, a software engineer, likened the uniformity that these products encourage to the effects of mass manufacturing following the Industrial Revolution. — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 24 June 2026

Dybantsa has impressed talent evaluators with his scoring fundamentals and versatility that liken comparisons to Kevin Durant and Paul George. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of Chinese (Pekingese) li²-chin¹, from li² one thousandth of a tael + chin¹ money

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing liken

• liken to

Rhymes for liken

• glycan
• lichen
• peptidoglycan
• proteoglycan

Kids Definition

liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən 

likened; likening ˈlīk-(ə-)niŋ 

: compare entry 1 sense 1