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

In New York and California, state laws clearly forbid the commercial use of a person’s name and likeness without express permission. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026

Some artists worry about misuse or losing control of their voice and likeness. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026

The tool is now available to journalists, government leaders and political candidates, who can request videos depicting their likeness be taken down, though removal is not guaranteed. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026

The transfer portal, name, image and likeness (NIL) and revenue sharing have all impacted the college landscape. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 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