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 March 2026, Variety reported that the actor’s image and likeness were recreated using generative AI for the indie film As Deep as the Grave. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Wilson had been loading the dice against that, frame by frame, forcing the likeness back toward herself. — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

These digital humans — which mirror a job applicant’s voice and likeness but are in reality an artificial alter — are showing up in first-round interviews, according to recruiters. — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The newscaster then asked Percy — sporting a baseball cap, glasses, and a collared shirt — if people often mention their likeness. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 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