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

At a time when many job seekers liken the search to hurling applications into a black hole, going old-school helped Manaois get hers in front of an actual person. —Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026

Some have likened coach Deion Sanders’ early Colorado tenure to that of the pioneering college basketball coach John Thompson, whose Georgetown Hoyas were an anomaly on a predominantly white campus but garnered the unwavering support of the hip hop and Black community. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026

In January, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta likened the teenager to a young Lionel Messi. —Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 17 Mar. 2026

Remember when the Broncos coach likened free agency to garage sale finds? —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 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