liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən 

likened; likening ˈlī-kə-niŋ 

ˈlīk-niŋ

transitive verb

: to represent as similar : compare

Synonyms of liken

• compare
• equate

Examples of liken in a Sentence

he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent.

Recent Examples on the Web

What makes this harder to believe is that the night before, Gavin accused Kenny of lying to him for years, and Kenny likened him to Bernie Madoff. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Webb himself, in June, likened the acquisition to his time in Buffalo, when the Bills landed Stefon Diggs ahead of quarterback Josh Allen’s third pro season. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 July 2026

Visitors snapped selfies and likened the smell to trash rooms, rotten meat and ripe garbage. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Glyman likened top early-career candidates to a mispricing in the market. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing liken

• liken to

Rhymes for liken

• glycan
• lichen
• peptidoglycan
• proteoglycan

Kids Definition

liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən 

likened; likening ˈlīk-(ə-)niŋ 

: compare entry 1 sense 1