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

Actors who need to know how to control their likeness might also be part of a joint class with the law school. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

In Fiduccia’s perceptive reading, binaries such as abstraction and likeness, form and formlessness, seriality and singularity, take on dialectical tension and interrelation. —Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Johnson whipped out his phone and shared a photo of Maivia with the audience, who applauded at the likeness. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

So if that’s the revenue-sharing allotment, but a roster costs $10 million, then that other $6 million has to come through name, image and likeness deals, which are supposed to be submitted to NIL Go, a clearinghouse created by the College Sports Commission (CSC). —Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 Apr. 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