liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən 

likened; likening ˈlī-kə-niŋ 

ˈlīk-niŋ

transitive verb

: to represent as similar : compare

Synonyms of liken

• compare
• equate

Examples of liken in a Sentence

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

People describe it as a communion with spirits and noncorporeal entities via chatbot—a kind of scrying, a staring into a digital mirror that stares back, likened by turns to channeling, séance, revelation. — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Zaha Hadid Architects principal Patrik Schumacher likens the collection’s élan with that achieved by the masterpieces of Michelangelo and the Renaissance, but reimagined for the 21st century. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

As a result, critics have likened Achilles to a carpetbagger, and called him a political opportunist who failed to fulfill his commitment to voters. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

The movement was formed in May 2026 to protest the government’s cancellation of medical school entrance exams and after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant likened unemployed youth to cockroaches. — Amrita Basu, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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