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

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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

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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 Rights, approvals and protections for digital replicas, voice, likeness and content now have to be addressed up front, not as an afterthought. — Claudia Rosenbaum, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 As actors face growing concerns about their voice, body and likeness being used without consent or compensation, the storyline resonated with the actors. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 While there are men who have been affected — George Brett Olson has been one vocal example — the majority affected seem to be women, whose likenesses are often exaggerated or distorted for the purposes of sexualization. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Rahm will have his name, image, and likeness rights returned to him as part of the deal, ESPN reported, citing court records. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

Unlike conventional sonar approaches that rely on lower-resolution acoustic images, synthetic aperture sonar combines multiple acoustic measurements collected as the sensor moves through the water.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
The image was manipulated by artificial intelligence and posted by a Colombian artist, according to Brazilian fact-checking outlet Agência Lupa.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of image

Noun

Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
That team, fittingly enough, will be honored during the Hurricanes’ game on Saturday against Pittsburgh, with the current team wearing replica jerseys to recognize the group.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of replica

Noun

When Roddenberry wanted a character who might draw younger viewers to Star Trek, the physical resemblance to the Monkees singer settled the matter.

— Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
Much to Leah’s delight, she is paired with Kris (Randy Apostle), a jolly resident who bears an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of resemblance

Noun

The pair shared a remarkable similarity in the smiling selfie taken at SoFi Stadium, wearing dark shades, wide grins and their hair in a center part.

— Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026
The case against Morales shares similarities with the investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Salgado Araujo in his van in July, Teare said.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of similarity

Noun

Its Romanesque façade was disguised as a grand Southern plantation—four towering white columns were erected to support a temporary façade with floral garlands, potted trees, and an enormous portrait of Leigh and Gable hung above the entrance.

— Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
Those ancestral tales spill out of the bedrooms and into the surrounding landscape, with guest excursions designed around the very figures whose portraits line the walls.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of portrait

Noun

Thea Energy has previously announced a collaboration involving NVIDIA, Synopsys, Argonne National Laboratory and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to develop a digital twin of its Helios power plant.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
The first vertical microseries for either of them also features 90210 alum Carol Potter, who played Cindy Walsh, the mom of twins Brenda (Shannen Doherty) and Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley).

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of twin

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likeness

likenesses

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“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of likeness

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