likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

• 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

In the age of the transfer portal and even more recently players being able to get paid for their name, image and likeness, leaving a program for whatever reason has become much easier for players. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025

If Hulk Hogan’s name, image and likeness are on par with Monroe and Ali, the brand is probably worth at least what Marvel floated it as—$35 million. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 31 July 2025

The new agency vetting name, image and likeness deals in college sports reached an agreement Thursday that relaxes standards on player agreements with third-party collectives and avoids taking the issue back to court after years of legal wrangling. —Eddie Pells, Twin Cities, 31 July 2025

And the new feature is sparking its own concerns over its potential use in creating deepfakes—digitally altered videos of individuals that can imitate someone’s likeness and can often be published without their consent. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 30 July 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