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 The four-count complaint includes battery, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unauthorized use of name and likeness. Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 No longer is pay-for-play limited to the name, image and likeness (NIL) deals that the NCAA and state laws began allowing in 2021. Arkansas Online, 30 Apr. 2026 Kilmer’s image and likeness were recreated using generative AI for the film with the cooperation of his estate and daughter. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 And so, players were allowed to profit from the rights to their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Bomani Jones, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • Alpencamper View gallery - 13 images Most bicycle campers just tow, but there are some that flip, that drop, that pitch and that straight blow up.
    C.C. Weiss May 01, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
  • However, the image of the Indigenous man is still featured around the campus, including in a large mural in the gym.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • For an all-important sit-down dinner set inside Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper Museum, a team of Italian scenic painters—led by a woman who manages backdrops for an opera in Rome—built and painted a replica on a local soundstage that was about ¾ the size of the original.
    Mara Reinstein, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
  • This 24-pack of Harry Potter Chocolate Frogs is a near-exact replica of the chocolate frog Ron ate with Harry on their first train ride to Hogwarts in The Sorcerer’s Stone.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • For all their grievances with Didion’s fiction, the women’s lives bear a striking resemblance to Didion’s own.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Most of the film’s other resemblances, of which there are many, prove less distressing.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At a time of intensifying divisions at home, a depiction of Ecuador could offer an Edenic, new-world landscape free from the partisanship tainting Church’s New England landscapes.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Sanchez-Bezos seems to have wanted to send a message through her own look for the night — a Schiaparelli gown riffing off of the John Singer Sargent portrait of Madame X, a depiction of a socialite that caused its own scandalous reception.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • The junior shortstop/outfielder drew that picture Monday before Lemont (17-7) had its South Suburban Conference crossover game against Oak Lawn (10-8) postponed due to inclement weather.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • As the first block was hoisted, Alemani darted to the railing to take a picture.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • One enterprise might share similarities with another, but no two businesses are exactly alike.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • Fans are flipping out over the similarities between Hilary Duff and You star Victoria Pedretti — who plays the on-screen love interest (literally named Love) of Penn Badgley's Joe.
    Laura Lane, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Carly will modify her design according to the needs of future exhibitions, which include shows with Karen Kilimnik and Joseph Geagan; the latter’s will incorporate portraits of members of the Vegas scene, Carly among them.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Through simple text and brilliant animal illustrations reminiscent of Eric Carle’s finest, Caldecott honoree Christian Robinson presents a lovely and nuanced portrait of dads across the animal kingdom, from lions to seahorses to humans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • David Palmer, in his first year as South Elgin’s coach, knew the twins were his type of players early on after taking over.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Wildlife officials say aoudad reproduce far more quickly, often producing twins twice a year.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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