lifelike

1 of 2

adjective

life·​like ˈlīf-ˌlīk 

: accurately representing or imitating real life

a lifelike portrait

lifelikeness noun

lifelikeness

2 of 2

noun

life·​like·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being lifelike

lifelikeness of expression

Synonyms of lifelike

Adjective

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

Examples of lifelike in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The greens and blues of plant life and water look lifelike, with plenty of variation. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026

Styling options, like shoes and sunglasses, can be added as well as lifelike backgrounds; the models will then move around in the garment in a video. — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2026

Sereno said the skeleton was preserved three-dimensionally, with bones remaining in unusually lifelike positions. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

This style of display continued throughout the exhibit, as just around the corner, a lifelike Luke Skywalker stood next to his landspeeder on a mock Tatooine while a Jawa hid nearby. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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