1
as in to compare
to describe as similar he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to equate
to regard or represent as equal or comparable I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of liken Drinkwitz likened quarterback Diego Pavia to a magician. Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 Martin likened the conservative influence on the Pennsylvania judicial election to the influence of Tesla CEO Elon Musk pouring money behind conservative Judge Brad Schimel in Wisconsin, who lost his election in April. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2025 Hegseth likened the Colombian rebel group to the al Qaeda terror group founded by Usama bin Laden in Afghanistan. Greg Norman , Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Meyer likened the government’s deportation efforts to playing chess against an opponent who’s three steps ahead. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liken
Verb
  • Davis went on to play at Tennessee, and legendary coach Johnny Majors compared him to Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett, whom Majors coached at Pitt.
    Mike Organ, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Another study, co-written by Augustine, used the same data in a slightly different way, examining how parents of different education levels felt throughout the day compared with how nonparents felt.
    Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many people equate financial success or failure with personal worth.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Defense Priorities scholars argue that the cartels are being falsely equated with terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, and warn of mission creep without clear objectives or legal justification.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liken. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on liken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!