likeness

Definition of likenessnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word likeness distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of likeness are analogy, resemblance, similarity, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father
some similarity between the two cases

When is it sensible to use analogy instead of likeness?

In some situations, the words analogy and likeness are roughly equivalent. However, analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

When is resemblance a more appropriate choice than likeness?

The words resemblance and likeness are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When can similitude be used instead of likeness?

The meanings of similitude and likeness largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

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 likeness So if that’s the revenue-sharing allotment, but a roster costs $10 million, then that other $6 million has to come through name, image and likeness deals, which are supposed to be submitted to NIL Go, a clearinghouse created by the College Sports Commission (CSC). Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 But the expansion of this tech also raises new questions about IP ownership and legal controls around someone’s likeness. Taylor Lorenz, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026 In other changes, athletes are allowed to sign with agents prior to enrolling for purposes other than name, image and likeness and are allowed to accept prize money in their respective sports without impacting eligibility. ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 The meeting agenda said Manning’s involvement is intended for promotional activities as well as the general use of his name, image and likeness. Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • There are also other artists, like Patricia Frischer, who has been doing a series of images about the #MeToo movement and women’s rights, which are also under attack at the moment.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • In conflict, online images and videos have become essential to countering misinformation and propaganda.
    Jane Lytvynenko, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Under guidance issued by the state, replica firearms are not considered deadly weapons.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Once inside, at least three graffiti writers whose names were blasted on the replica pointed it out proudly, even gave out stickers to take home.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The study got its start when co-author Brian Gootee, a geologist with the Arizona Geological Survey, noticed a resemblance between sand deposits downstream of the Grand Canyon and in the Bidahochi—both contained pink, rounded grains that seemed to have been transported by the same river.
    Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026
  • In the Broadway staging, the three actors for each character bore little physical or ethnic resemblance to each other.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jackson’s settlement with the Chandler family turned out to include an agreement that forbade the estate to participate in depictions of the events around Chandler’s allegation.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • These scenes had to be removed after attorneys for the Jackson estate realized there was a clause in the settlement that blocked the depiction or mention of Chandler in any movie.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • By putting religious and profane art together—a picture of Christ on one wall and Apollo on another, both equalized in their prettiness—Raphael triggered centuries of decadence.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The cost of data collection is often framed in terms of hardware or labor, but this view misses the larger picture.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Magyar’s most disturbing similarity with Orbán is his personality.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Arthur is living for the likes, his suburban house of horrors happening to bear similarities to the anonymous McMansions preferred by so many influencers.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But his family takes Iván in as his experiences begin to dissolve into the imagined portrait of Celestino.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Oil portraits 2 The show is anchored at the beginning by two giant oil portraits of the Deans by acclaimed artist Kehinde Wiley, the painter behind the 2018 official portrait of former President Barack Obama.
    Jayne Yutig, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • How my grandmother knew from childhood that love and loss were twins in life.
    Jesmyn Ward, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
  • King Frederik and Queen Mary's children are all close to each other in age, and the palace's official portraits from the twins' confirmation ceremony included two cute photos of the siblings goofing off.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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