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

The legislation would allow individuals whose likeness has been used by AI to generate pornographic photos and videos without their consent to sue those responsible for generating or disseminating the content for upward of $150,000. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026

Johansson has been vocal against the dangers of AI before, and has been fighting back against the recreation of her likeness for years. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026

One morning Gu opened her blinds in a Beijing hotel and saw her likeness on five or so billboards outside. —Sean Gregory, Time, 22 Jan. 2026

Lastly, beginning in 2021, name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts have permitted athletes to monetize their visibility by engaging with nonuniversity entities and signing contracts that pay them directly. —Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 21 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