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

Visitors often still liken the city’s walkable streets and historic architecture to European boulevards. — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2026

The process inside the ‘Pentagon’ Inside the walls of Nationals Park, some began likening the process to living in a house while still building it. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Co-author David Paige of the University of California, Los Angeles, likens it to gardening. — CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

In a post on X, Marbin Miller likened the impact of the cuts to a surgical operation. — Jocelyn Noveck, Los Angeles Times, 14 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