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 In 1926 — in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — a half dollar coin was minted bearing the likeness of then-President Calvin Coolidge. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025 Digital scanning of human actors, for the purposes of using their likenesses in film and TV projects is another tricky area for the unions given how untested the legal questions are, the attorneys agreed. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025 The floor of the conference has risen dramatically in the name, image and likeness/transfer portal era, and the ceiling has come down. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Her likeness appeared on everything from socks to a Lego statue at her gallery in Loyola’s art museum. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • Malinche’s negative image was solidified by Nobel Prize in Literature winner Octavio Paz.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Another kibbutz member approached a local TV correspondent, urging their channel not to stop airing the images of the returning hostages even as the high-level speeches at the Knesset began.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In response to a Star inquiry, the State Department confirmed Arrington’s role in obtaining the replica and described the former director as helpful and knowledgeable.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Their 306,000-gallon ocean habitat is complete with a replica shipwreck that houses sharks, tarpon, and several other fish species.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But the striking resemblance to TikTok and other short-form video apps sends the message that these platforms are indeed trying to be a destination for viewing content rather than just a forum for creators.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Jen also bears a strong resemblance to the Uncle Buck star.
    Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • More recently, women started going to college at higher rates than men, the gender pay gap started to close, women started having children later, LGTBQ rights made strides and body positivity pressed companies to diversify depictions of beautiful people.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Many criticized the show for its depiction of Muslims who reject their parents’ strict practice of Islam, breaking the rules they’ve been brought up with.
    Deena ElGenaidi, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The big-picture story isn’t any better.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Nearly six months later, though, a slightly different picture is emerging; ironically, a glance at Rotten Tomatoes — more of which later — shows that the film is now firmly rated just about Fresh with critics and audiences alike, with approval scores of 69% and 65%, respectively.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike nihilism, with which cosmicism shares some similarities, the focus is on how small and incidental humanity is.
    Big Think, Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But Simons points out one similarity.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This portrait became a symbol of comfort and remembrance for her family and the wider community.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Ma Daisy welcomes you in, quite literally with her portrait posed with open arms, to the space and invites you to stay awhile.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The birth will be in San Diego, about 250 miles south of Santa Barbara, and as with the twins, McAnally and Baum plan to be present for it.
    Nancy Kruh, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Rather than running the cars on the track with different tires, transmissions, and weather conditions to find the recipe for optimal performance, teams are creating digital twins of entire systems and modeling them with simulations.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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