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

Alongside artist and archival producer Hudson Campbell, who created oil portraits of the four central figures, the team leaned on AI to add animation, movement, expression, and immediacy to people whose likenesses were absent from history. — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Peering up at a row of banners boasting a familiar name and likeness, Kemba Walker is nearly in disbelief. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026

His sons and daughters – each of us in our true, spiritual being – reflect Him, are His image and likeness. — Lisa Rennie Sytsma, Christian Science Monitor, 26 June 2026

Cicirelli said during the forum that the plaza is the most significant local landmark honoring Chavez, while other public assets featuring his name or likeness are also under review – and crews have already begun covering or removing the branding from some locations. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 25 June 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