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 YouTube’s demo video, the setup flow appears to assume the channel has only a single host whose likeness needs protection. —ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2025

With the ruling, Nicklaus now regains full control over his name, image and likeness, and is free to engage in commercial ventures, including golf course design, under his own brand. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

OpenAI appears to have calmed fears around Sora 2, winning over SAG-AFTRA, CAA, UTA and actor Bryan Cranston with new guardrails on the platform to protect actors’ voices and likenesses. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025

So far, many of the famous faces whose likeness were available on the platform have been deceased, though not all, as demonstrated by Cranston’s appearance in some videos. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 20 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