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

The lawsuit alleges defamation and unauthorized use of his name and likeness in connection with the last two seasons. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

A week or so after launching its video-generation app Sora, OpenAI is allowing users more options to restrict how their likenesses appear in videos. —Billy Perrigo, Time, 7 Oct. 2025

Performers’ work and likeness must not be scraped, stolen or illegally processed. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025

The company noted that consumers will be able to see their digital likenesses in a variety of situations. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 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