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liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlī-kə-niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)
ˈlīk-niŋ
Synonyms of likennext

transitive verb

: to represent as similar : compare

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tom Statler, the lead scientist at NASA for solar system small bodies, likened the effort to watching a baseball game from different seats around the stadium, with both flagship telescopes and smaller spacecraft trying to follow the same fast-moving target. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 28 Nov. 2025 Spacey likened his predicament to the experiences of actors of yore, who were swept into the Hollywood blacklist as a result of McCarthyism. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2025 Gadgil likened this ability to a dance that South Asians are especially practiced in. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025 Some likened the hue and shape of the trees to the red cloaks depicted in the television adaptation of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, while others compared them to the sea of blood from The Shining. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liken

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liken was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liken. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

liken

verb
lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlīk-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on liken

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