LIKEN Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

liken

verb

ˈlī-kən

Definition of liken next

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

contrast

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 Hostert, of the University of Iowa, likens it to picking out the faint hum of an air conditioner over the din of Manhattan traffic. —

Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026 The design immediately drew ridicule from some critics who likened the arches to a giant tarantula attacking downtown Miami, or the arches on a McDonald’s outlet. —

Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026 Lloyd likened his extended stay – a 22-year assistantship that is not the norm in a very upwardly mobile profession – to making a sound investment. —

Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026 In an interview with CBS News' Ed O'Keefe on Friday, Moore, a Democrat, likened the ongoing war with Iran to the war in Afghanistan, where the governor served as a member of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for liken

Verb

The Republican National Committee reported roughly $109 million cash on hand in its most recent FEC filing, compared with roughly $16 million for their Democratic counterpart, plus Democrats are carrying about $17 million in debt.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Willis even compared Amachree to an All-Pro back currently considered one of the best in the NFL.

— Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026