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

In a post on X, Marbin Miller likened the impact of the cuts to a surgical operation. — Jocelyn Noveck, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Wickersham says, with only the slightest of chuckles, that every quarterback is something of a sociopath and likens them to politicians in the middle of a race. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk likened the catastrophe to Pearl Harbor. — Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026

Oberholzer likens the series to the Ashes, the Australia–England contest that turned a bilateral rivalry into one of sport’s most valuable commercial properties. — Daniel Gallan, New York Times, 10 Sep. 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