likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

• 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

Over time, Frank’s writings and likeness have inspired comparisons to the siege of civilians during the Balkan wars, the events of the Rwandan genocide, and the suffering of political prisoners incarcerated in Apartheid-era South Africa. —Time, 30 Sep. 2025

Some fans say this 10-foot bronze likeness of rock legend Tina Turner is … simply the worst. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025

Each person controls who can use their likeness and can revoke or delete any cameo videos. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025

The debate over digital likeness and AI protections was a flashpoint in last year’s dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, with actors calling for safeguards against their voices and images being replicated without consent. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 Sep. 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