likened

past tense of liken
1
as in compared
to describe as similar he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

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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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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 likened Millar likened the dynamic to the annual flu vaccine or shingles shot for older adults. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 28 June 2026 One former employee likened him to Bill Clinton, recognized for knowing how to work a crowd and making everyone feel completely engaged. Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026 Evidence in the court cases revealed some of the tech companies' inner workings, including communications of employees who likened their products to drugs and casinos. ABC News, 26 June 2026 In conversation with Josh Horowitz at the 92nd Street Y on Wednesday, June 24, Brown, 22, opened up about her transition into action films — and likened herself to the Top Gun actor. Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 The second album this year from metalcore pioneers Converge is named for a mysterious, pulsing, low-frequency ambient drone, likened by those who hear it to a diesel engine, an idling airplane, or a kind of inescapable torture. Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026 Lucas Gelfond, a software engineer, likened the uniformity that these products encourage to the effects of mass manufacturing following the Industrial Revolution. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 24 June 2026 Adams likened the conditions on the boat to having a bunch of teenagers — with no seatbelts or airbags — in the back of a pick-up truck and zipping down an unpaved road. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 Biden likened the matches to Roman gladiator fights staged by 1st century emperors during undemocratic times. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likened
Verb
  • Advances in childbirth — including prenatal care, Cesarean sections, blood transfusions, antibiotics and neonatal intensive care — also dramatically improved maternal and infant survival compared with colonial America.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Thanks in part to the World Cup contract, the company’s revenue has reached $15 million so far this year, compared with $20 million last year, Beig said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • What the rise of 'chalance' says about dating People have equated aloofness with coolness since long before the internet came around.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • College football fans who equated NCAA rules to actual laws.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likened. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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