likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

• icon
• ikon
• illustration
• image
• 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

Pink Floyd has reportedly sold their music catalog, along with their name and likeness to Sony to the tune of approximately $400 million. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024

In December 2019, five months after Dawkins’ second conviction, California enacted the nation’s first law establishing the rights of college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2024

The deal is reported to be worth around $400 million and also includes the rights to the band’s name and likenesses. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024

In June, Kate Beckinsale revealed that someone online was using her name and likeness to scam elderly victims out of money. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

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