LIKENESS Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

likeness

noun

ˈlīk-nəs

Definition of likeness

as in image

a two-dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing the wealthy businessman hired a leading artist to paint his likeness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in replica

something or someone that strongly resembles another why, you're the very likeness of your mother!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in resemblance

the quality or state of having many qualities in common the forgery was difficult to detect due to the pinpoint likeness it bore to the original

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 Todd Williams from All Rise and San Andreas voiced the character named Blade Knight, who bears a likeness to Ali. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026 In the aftermath, Zettle made a likeness of a black vulture out of wire and cloth and hung it on a tree. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

The smoke trail seen in the image extends to nearly 200 kilometers south of the facility according to a CNN analysis.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
The image of Tessarion chained in the sept in Tumbleton feels quite emblematic of his own internal experience.

— Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026

Definition of image

Noun

His resemblance to Tadzio turned heads in the nightclubs frequented by the young elite.

— Olivier Bouchara, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026
However, Homer’s description of the Trojan War bears little resemblance to the war as described in a series of Hittite records, the only existing documentation of a political dispute at that time involving Troy.

— Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of resemblance

Noun

But Smith’s energy goes toward perfecting the Damon Albarn impression in its silly hook rather than galvanizing the otherwise lackluster depictions of friendship in his lyrics.

— Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Farris' depictions – drawn in a loose, minimal style with a bright, colorful palette – offer generalities that seem relatable for those who have attended med school.

— Tahneer Oksman, NPR, 23 July 2026

Definition of depiction

Noun

Robo is not Hatch, but there are enough similarities that under no circumstance should Nill let Robertson become a free agent.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Three longtime Philadelphia police officers developed the same rare cancer, and the similarities in their cases were hard to ignore.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 23 July 2026

Definition of similarity

Noun

But the Italian filmmaker will be back in the Lido nonetheless, with Joie de Vivre, his seven-hour documentary portrait of Bernardo Bertolucci.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 July 2026
The film paints a portrait of pioneering photojournalist Gerda Taro, the German-Jewish war photographer, anti-fascist and artist whose legacy has long been overshadowed.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 July 2026

Definition of portrait

Noun

In recent years, the typical Shears song has cloaked descriptions of paranormal encounters in hardcore distortion and cartoon sound effects, fleshing out the twins’ strange world while hinting at weirder mysteries beneath the surface.

— Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026
As automation, digital twins, predictive maintenance and intelligent control systems become embedded across energy infrastructure, companies must compete for digital expertise while simultaneously retraining much of their existing workforce.

— Elena Bou, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of twin

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likened

likeness

likenesses

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“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of likeness

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