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

Cheney's actions became fodder for comedians throughout his political career, with his likeness regularly appearing on Saturday Night Live throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with Phil Hartman and Darrell Hammond portraying him on the sketch comedy series. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025

In a separate matter, Shein initiated an investigation in September after the likeness of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson last year, was featured on Shein’s site. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025

Even if Royal Castle burgers are no longer on the grill, the likeness is still owned and can be used. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025

Local rumor even has it that only Satan’s intervention has preserved the painting’s likeness. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 Oct. 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