Synonyms of liken

liken

verb

ˈlī-kən 

1

as in to compare

to describe as similar

he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compare
• equate
• refer
• analogize
• bracket
• assimilate
• connect
• link
• relate
• couple
• allude
• associate
• parallel
• match
• equal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• contrast

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

• compare
• equate
• identify
• connect
• relate
• correlate
• classify
• link
• match
• associate
• join
• categorize
• class
• group
• lump (together)
• sort
• grade
• assort

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distinguish
• differentiate
• separate
• discriminate
• discern

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of liken

Neveu likens it to how a snowman will appear deformed once the sun's heat begins to melt it. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Sep. 2026

Encore likens bad breakups to immunocompromisation and kicking opiates. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Giannetos likens the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm to a deep salon-level treatment but from the comfort of your own home. — Kim Grundy, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Forrest sees it as an investment, similar to Fortescue’s Real Zero plan, that will pay off in time, in this case after the war, likening Ukraine’s prospects to West Germany’s economic boom after World War II. — Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026