likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms of likeness

• image
• depiction
• portrait
• illustration
• picture

Choose the Right Synonym for likeness

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father

some similarity between the two cases

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

a stamp bearing the likeness of a president

There's some likeness between them.

There's an uncanny likeness between them.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the current status of college football, fueled by the name, image and likeness game, would seem to indicate the richest and the biggest-spending teams should dominate, there are clear signs previously struggling programs can overcome. —Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 23 Dec. 2025

Another related bill signed by Hochul requires written consent from heirs or executors if a person wants to use the name, image, or likeness of an individual for commercial purposes after their death. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 22 Dec. 2025

The man misrepresented his age, identity, background and likeness to groom minors and create a false sense of safety, federal prosecutors said. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025

In the quiet geometry of their webs, survival may hinge less on strength or speed than on how convincingly a spider can render its own likeness. —New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

Rhymes for likeness

• unlikeness

Kids Definition

likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: a picture especially of a person : portrait

2

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance