1
as in compared
to describe as similar
he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in identified
to regard or represent as equal or comparable
I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of likened
Some users, however, caught on to the awkward exchange during the broadcast without realizing Monica is Taylor's wife, and likened the clip to former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR executive Kristin Cabot's viral kiss cam scandal at one of Coldplay's Boston shows in July.
—
Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Alluding to Linklater’s sports background, Hawke likened his approach to that of a coach, trying to test his player’s speed and strength.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
Comey likened it to a mafia induction.
—Ed White, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
Floyd-Pruitt likened the concept of self-expression through puppetry to incarcerated individuals performing theater to process emotions in a 2024 interview with Harvard Magazine.
—Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Millwood likened the vibe at CTP to that of a neighborhood bodega.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
Government officials accused the protesters of attempting to divide the country and likened flying the flag to treason.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
Wahl likened attractions to large machines with extensive IT infrastructure.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Cohen likened the situation to 2008, right before the financial crisis.
—Taylor Lorenz, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2025
Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Alluding to Linklater’s sports background, Hawke likened his approach to that of a coach, trying to test his player’s speed and strength.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
Comey likened it to a mafia induction.
—Ed White, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
Floyd-Pruitt likened the concept of self-expression through puppetry to incarcerated individuals performing theater to process emotions in a 2024 interview with Harvard Magazine.
—Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Millwood likened the vibe at CTP to that of a neighborhood bodega.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
Government officials accused the protesters of attempting to divide the country and likened flying the flag to treason.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
Wahl likened attractions to large machines with extensive IT infrastructure.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Cohen likened the situation to 2008, right before the financial crisis.
—Taylor Lorenz, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likened
Verb
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Partly as a result, 84% of AbbVie employees in Europe say managers show a sincere interest in their wellbeing and success, compared with just 51% of employees at typical companies in Europe, according to surveys from Great Place To Work.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
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Research suggests that older adults struggle more to anticipate financial losses, have higher levels of trust for strangers and have a lower ability to detect deceptions compared with younger adults.—
Madhusree Mukerjee,
Scientific American,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a world where growth is equated with progress, capitalism breathes through expansion, and consumption becomes its oxygen.—
Michaela Rychetska,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Sep. 2025
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The combined mental and physical illness risks of loneliness have been equated with those of obesity or smoking and represent a serious public health concern.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likened. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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