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 Expanding the partnership creates new opportunities for SRM Concrete, a ready-mix concrete producer, to engage directly with Commodore athletes through name, image and likeness initiatives across the university’s 17 varsity teams. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026 Barbie is launching a doll in the WNBA star's likeness, the company announced July 24. Melina Khan, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Actor Morag Peacock portrayed Wuornos and the team spent three years conducting extensive filming to provide the visual effects technology with the information needed to render the digital likeness. Peter White, Deadline, 22 July 2026 Its basic proposition was logical to me – that God is divine intelligence, the wholly good, infinite Spirit that creates man spiritually in His likeness. Suzanne Riedel, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • New images circulating online appear to show what defense analysts believe is the fifth prototype of China’s sixth-generation J-36 fighter jet, according to a report.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The island now houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where visitors can search digital images of ship manifests for the immigration records of their relatives.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • To make access easier, there is no need to log in to view the digital replica of the newspaper.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • New York's Fashion Workers Act separately requires written consent before creating or using an AI digital replica of a model.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • The hair and makeup teams emphasize Wilde’s resemblance to those old school maneaters while keeping her look cutting-edge.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • While Viking sagas mention rhythmic chants to aid oarsmen, the dramatic, coordinated movements seen today bear little resemblance to actual Viking rowing techniques.
    Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • The design includes an image of the President alongside the text of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a Freedom 250 gold flag and a depiction of the Founding Fathers gathering to sign the Declaration of Independence.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 31 July 2026
  • The series’ blend of soapy melodramatics and rough-and-tumble underworld menace will be familiar to anybody who has watched Power, but Power and its spinoffs have always been confident in their only-for-adults depictions of adults-only situations.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • These pictures, taken over the weekend, show the evacuation operation in full swing in the French city of Bordeaux.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Beyond the world title pictures, Redemption also began laying the groundwork for the undercard.
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Minnesota said investigators identified some similarities in the timing of the recent incidents, in addition to the types of technology impacted, but had not yet confirmed that every incident was carried out by the same actor.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Still, there are enough similarities between what a mouse and a human eat that the data collected by such studies can still apply.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • The heartwarming family portrait captures a moment of togetherness before an important new chapter for the eldest, who is set to begin boarding school at Eton College this fall.
    Mathilde Engelmann, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026
  • His new cinematic experience, for example, turns romantic ideas of the summer on their head to paint a contemporary portrait of longing for connection steeped in resignation.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Remarkably, the children who initially drew them together at Great Beginnings — Begnaud’s son Max and Kisner’s twins — were born just 10 days apart.
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The coming-of-age series stars Annie and Connor, adopted twins raised by a single dad in New York.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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