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

Federal law protects certain uses of a celebrity’s image and likeness in cases involving parody, criticism, commentary and news reporting. —Daryl Lim, Fortune, 30 May 2026

However, Jimmy discovers that Michael was secretly selling the voice and likeness of clients to AI companies without their consent and uses that revelation to blackmail him into stepping down. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 May 2026

The bill’s backers say the legislation would protect name, image and likeness earnings for players, keep in place the current revenue framework from the House settlement, and prevent athletes from predatory NIL and recruiting deals. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 May 2026

Federal law protects certain uses of a celebrity’s image and likeness in cases involving parody, criticism, commentary and news reporting. —Daryl Lim, The Conversation, 28 May 2026

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