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

Airplanes struggle in hot, thin air Aimer likens the effect of high temperatures on airplane performance to athletes competing at high altitude. — Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Separately, Shaman likened El Niño to a large burner on a stovetop, heating the atmosphere across a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and leading to more global heat extremes, particularly for next summer if current forecasts pan out. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

There’s no such thing as coverage for one actor or the other on the set of Lioness — the actress likens it to a play. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026

Commenters likened Stevens’s delivery, variously, to that of a Depression-era baseball coach and a bad Chris Farley impersonator. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 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