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

Buoyed by newfound name, image and likeness and revenue-sharing investment in the program, Odom was competitive in the transfer portal market in his first offseason, luring key additions like Malik Thomas (San Francisco), Dallin Hall (BYU) and Sam Lewis (Toledo). —Brendan Marks, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026

State rights-of-publicity laws are already in place to protect celebrities from having their image or likeness stolen to sell products, the outlet noted. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

The money will be used to support the teams in a variety of ways, but cannot be used for name, image and likeness purposes. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026

State rights-of-publicity laws already protect actors and other celebrities from having their image or likeness ripped off to sell products. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 Jan. 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