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

Oberholzer likens the series to the Ashes, the Australia–England contest that turned a bilateral rivalry into one of sport’s most valuable commercial properties. — Daniel Gallan, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The filmmaker has likened his perspective in this project to that of Dorothy’s dog Toto in The Wizard of Oz, alert to the shuffling feet beneath the curtain rather than being bamboozled by the shyster title character’s techno showmanship. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Steinem had likened wearing the bunny suit to feeling like meat on a hook. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Approaching the story with proper assiduity would not be quick work, and Campion likens the quest to Ahab’s pursuit of the white whale. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Sep. 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