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

College sports has been struggling to find a fair way to pay players for their name, image and likeness since payments to players were approved by a federal court last summer. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

It is modeled on Fernandez’s personality and worldview rather than simply her likeness. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026

ShopBack will work directly with Texas student-athletes on NIL (name, images and likeness) programs, tying them to content, appearances and fan events. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

While the plaza is the city’s most prominent landmark recognizing Chavez, 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, 15 July 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