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 addition to Lilli’s likeness, the contract also granted Marx the right to defend it from copycats. —Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025

An artists' sketch of the man's possible likeness. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

Lagway was due to make more than $3 million in 2026 at Florida through name, image and likeness deals. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025

De Castelbajac recalled how he was initially sued for using Snoopy’s likeness on an Iceberg sweater without permission, but ended up becoming friends with Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schultz. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 Dec. 2025

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