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

In addition, YouTube is expanding is likeness-detection tool in YouTube Studio, suite of tools and analytics for creators, in an open beta to all YouTube Partner Program creators. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025

Persona vectors are thought to be relatively universal in the sense that major LLMs seem to employ the same or similar capacity, likely due to the overall likenesses in architecture and design. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The introduction of name, image and likeness money and unlimited transfers has accelerated player movement at an unprecedented rate and lowered the ceiling at the top of the sport. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

With secondary education salaries, however, funding Cooper’s dreams in Texas — a state without name, image and likeness payments for high schoolers — has been a challenge. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 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