likeness

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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 At the Father's Day event honoring Pascal's likeness this weekend, the first round of judging saw each contestant stepping up to a podium one by one. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 16 June 2025 The White Sox unveiled a graphic installation featuring his likeness on a concourse wall before a May 19 game against the Seattle Mariners, less than two weeks after Leo was selected as the first U.S.-born pope. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 Now on the fourth anniversary of name, image and likeness legislation, Stricklin will face another unprecedented moment. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025 Yes, there’s the name, image and likeness component, where Notre Dame has grown into a serious player. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • Flagship boutiques from Milan and Paris lined the promenades, conjuring images of home.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The brand is known for its beaded dresses and swimwear depicting cartoonish images of beaches and vacation destinations.
    Alyssa Hardy, Vogue, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • One of Tim Harmon’s proudest achievements, his son Avi Harmon said, was the creation of the Statue of Liberty Museum, home to more than 600 replicas of Lady Liberty in all sizes.
    Samanta Habashy, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
  • There are replicas of her most beloved pots and utensils, handwritten and typed letters, and other ephemera.
    Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • His allegations bear a striking resemblance to those made by Michaels, who suffered a career-ending ankle break on the final season of Game of Thrones, four years after Pilgrim’s accident.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2025
  • Artist renderings show a stadium with its five overlapping layers that bears a striking resemblance to Australia’s famed Sydney Opera House.
    W.G. Ramirez, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s one of several standout stretches here, another being the note-perfect depiction of our heroes feeling the indiscriminate love while on ecstacy.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Then, crammed in between Nixon and a portrait of another former first lady, Laura Bush, a new portrait was added: a depiction of Trump's face overlaid with the American flag.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • That guaranteed a franchise favorite stayed in Minnesota, and paints a clear picture of where the Timberwolves are financially heading into next week’s NBA rat race.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 June 2025
  • A week filled with fun videos of puppies trying to master the stairs and a friendly doggy neighbor making his rounds brightened our social media timelines, but a few of our readers' pet videos and pictures stood out.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • In some cases, the similarities between the Ivy League and prestigious secondary schools are not coincidental, but the result of deep historical ties.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Quilts are also filled, but here the similarities end.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • To her, these monochromatic portraits bolster an African aesthetic due to their classic feel that stands the test of time.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 30 June 2025
  • Many of the writers Giard photographed chose to use his pictures as their official author portraits, and many praised him for his ability to capture their essence.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Map The Workflow With A Digital Twin Create a digital twin of your agency’s workflow before new hires start.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The Destination Earth digital twins are replicas of Earth systems used to monitor, simulate and predict the interaction between natural phenomena and human activities.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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