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

The Spaniard also was granted his name, image and likeness rights under the agreement. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Rahm will have his name, image, and likeness rights returned to him as part of the deal, ESPN reported, citing court records. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

YouTube spokesperson Jack Malon noted in an email to The Verge that the company’s likeness detection was developed in partnership with the entertainment industry. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026

The poems follow a character named Henry who shares a biographical likeness to the author, though Berryman states Henry is an imaginary character. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 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