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

One French politician likened the shutdown to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while a British lawmaker said that hospitals and researchers had lost access to crucial technology overnight. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Potential contenders including former health chief Nirav Shah and ex-Senate president Troy Jackson are circling, while disillusioned voters liken Platner’s exit to Democrats’ last-minute scramble to replace Joe Biden. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Worner said the process is more bureaucratic and cut-and-dried than some might think of a religious process, and likened the process of making a bill into a law. — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

One scout likened Bumila to Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, a comparison Bumila certainly could get behind. — Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 July 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