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

But in this day and age of college football, with name, image and likeness deals keeping kids in college and depleting draft classes … are there really any reaches outside of the first 20 picks? —Vic Tafur, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Bloomington even temporarily renamed an actual pond in his likeness, before Indiana’s national championship in January. —Noah White, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026

Although revenue share payments are typically undisclosed, name, image and likeness valuations are much more public. —Mark Long, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

The college game has in recent years become one of change as players more frequently come and go every year, some seeking a fresh start, or a chance to cash in on name, image and likeness, otherwise known as NIL. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 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