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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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

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 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 Shepherd hilariously likened the wig malfunction to a broken door at her grandmother's house. Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 26 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
  • The athletic apparel maker beat Wall Street's expectations on both lines and unexpectedly posted sales growth compared with the prior year.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, all of that was about as emotional as a bunch of people standing around waiting for an elevator compared with what happened when Crochet locked eyes with Giolito.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Likened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likened. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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