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 Influence said that the company will be working with Khaled to develop film and tv projects, as well as expanding commercial opportunities with Khaled’s name, image and likeness rights. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2025 Anyone wanting to fight such usage would have to rely on deceptive practice laws, trademark and copyright protection, and state-specific laws protecting a person's name, image, and likeness. Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025 The city of Columbia, in partnership with Statues for Equality, unveiled a sculpture in Ms. Staley’s likeness at the intersection of Lincoln and Senate streets. Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025 Mainly because of the proliferation of the name, image and likeness (NIL) marketplace in college basketball, there are only 106 early entrants to the NBA Draft, a drastically lower number than the 195 who entered last year and the 242 who entered the year before. Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • To backtrack: Sepideh Farsi was compelled by the images coming out of Gaza to travel there.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
  • Russia is playing for time, evidently, and amassing forces on the eastern frontline, drone images show, ahead of a likely summer offensive.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • In a 2021 presentation for the American Musical Instrument Society, Knight introduces replicas of Gray’s devices and gives a demonstration.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2025
  • Tom Young, a member of the Lansing Historical Society, led the team of Paul Lamborn, John Craig, and Randy Elliott, who quickly built the replica over a couple of days.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • This is a mid-size crossover SUV with some resemblance to a Jeep Renegade from the front, albeit with a much more contemporary spin.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The Humane Rescue Alliance of Washington, DC, provided photos of adoptable dogs with some resemblance to that dog.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The team created ceiling frescoes reminiscent of artist Israel Rubinstein’s playful depictions of gaming scenes, and also looked to the works of Salvador Dalí and Meret Oppenheim for other inspiration.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
  • Outside of the emotional rollercoaster of Keisha and Justin’s romance, the series offers generous and glittering depictions of family, friendship and young adulthood.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Biden posted a picture on social media with his wife, Jill, after the announcement.
    Sam Woodward, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • In the joint post, the couple shared several pictures of themselves with their 2½-year-old son Merrick Avery.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • This similarity argues that the drug spending premium in the U.S. simply reflects the overall differences in total healthcare spending.
    Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • There are definite similarities between Federal and Georgian-style architecture, as Federal can be viewed as an evolution of the latter.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Some portraits explore sexuality more overtly than others, but all can be read in the spirit of the exhibition.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • This portrait of a chef who moved from Japan in the 1970s delivers a generous helping of warm and fuzzy feels, as its subject faces challenges with determination and celebrates the daily joy of creating beautiful bites.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Over at Fyre Drill, Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut will invite teams of Vikings to compete to outscore and out-soak each other on this water ride.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Saldaña and husband Marco Perego have done their best to keep their boys, Zen, 8, and twins Bowie and Cy, 10, out of the spotlight.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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