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

Others, however, remain fearful that AI could exploit their likenesses without permission or compensation. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

Pittman did lead the Hogs to a 4-4 SEC record in 2021, or before name, image and likeness came into play. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

According to sources with knowledge of the matter, Lampkin had lucrative name, image and likeness deals that netted him six figures, including a deal with Chicken Express. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026

Several years into the name, image, and likeness era, college football fans are now familiar with most of the resulting changes happening across the sport. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 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