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

While some activists like Eva have used Mangione’s likeness to amp up support for causes they’d already been focused on, there are others who’ve come to activism purely by way of his case, like Amelia, who asked to use an alias. —Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025

The legalization of name, image and likeness rights has turned college programs into fully commercial enterprises that now require working capital, facilities financing and sponsorship advances. —Joseph Glatt, Sportico.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Buchanan introduced the original iteration of the CREEPER Act in 2020 after NBC 6 South Florida reported that a lifelike doll resembling an actual girl in the Miami area was being sold on Amazon and other websites after a photo of the child was stolen and her likeness appropriated. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

Now it is hoped a pitch in its likeness — but in new surroundings — will reintroduce the city to England, the Ashes and the world. —Michael Bailey, New York Times, 19 Nov. 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