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

After a tour past mannequins in their likenesses, Manolo Blahnik slippers and mood boards, the party moved to the Versailles Orangerie, where Cartier grooms lined the alleys leading to the grandiose gallery. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

In 2015, the courts finally decided that the NCAA could not require students to maintain their amateur status by refusing payment for use of their name, image and likeness. — Sen. Rand Paul Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

While his off-the-field businesses continue to prosper, Kelce also recently launched a name, image and likeness consulting firm called Tekta with the marketing arm of French public relations and communications company Publicis Groupe. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The decision is one that Harkin and co-showrunner Alison Holloway stand behind, saying the use of Wilder’s likeness meant to honor him, not diminish his legacy. — Lauren Wilson, NBC news, 23 Sep. 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