lifelike

adjective

life·​like ˈlīf-ˌlīk 

: accurately representing or imitating real life

a lifelike portrait

lifelikeness noun

Synonyms of lifelike

• realistic
• living
• naturalistic
• natural
• vivid
• three-dimensional

Examples of lifelike in a Sentence

The graphics in the video game are more lifelike than we imagined they would be.

the eyes of the lifelike portrait seem to follow visitors around the room

Recent Examples on the Web

This distinctive design gives the robot a strikingly lifelike appearance. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2025

That is no longer the case with so many lifelike touches, real emotions and interplay with the audiences. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025

But the actual technology itself, the idea of artificial intelligence and synthetic creations that are lifelike and seem real — that’s an absolute threat. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025

Companions will look and sound more lifelike. —Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lifelike

• businesslike
• ladylike
• motorbike
• workmanlike
• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike

Kids Definition

lifelike

adjective

life·​like ˈlī-ˌflīk 

: accurately representing or imitating an actual living thing

a lifelike statue

lifelikeness noun