likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
2
3
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The deal marks a first beauty partnership for Strong, who has otherwise signed NIL (name, image and likeness) deals with the offseason basketball league, Unrivaled, and nonprofit organization, Bleed Blue for Good. Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 Jersey sales was probably one of the most egregious hypocrisies of the NCAA’s amateurism rule for student athletes, which stipulated that players were never to benefit financially from their name, image and likeness — even if others did. Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025 For years, Machine Learning and AI have enabled our teams to develop technologies like HeadStart, which leverages photos to create authentic in-game likenesses. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 Earlier this year, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nicklaus Companies against Nicklaus that attempted to prevent the golfer from using his name, image and likeness to promote his golf course design business. Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of likeness was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likeness. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

likeness

noun
like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
: a picture especially of a person : portrait
2
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

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