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

The collection will number 354, each with a likeness and a few lines of descriptive text. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Expanding the partnership creates new opportunities for SRM Concrete, a ready-mix concrete producer, to engage directly with Commodore athletes through name, image and likeness initiatives across the university’s 17 varsity teams. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026

Barbie is launching a doll in the WNBA star's likeness, the company announced July 24. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 24 July 2026

The language of the ethics rules bans public officials from using their name, image, likeness or official position for digital assets. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 July 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