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 The University of Miami on Friday filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought upon by the University of Wisconsin and its name, image and likeness collective two months ago that alleged UM had tampered with one of its former players. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025 There have been no rides through the transfer portal, and chasing riches in the new era of name, image and likeness is not on the 2023 Naperville North graduate’s agenda. Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025 One popular way is through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals—Clark made $3.1 million from NIL agreements in 2023, in the final year of her college stint. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 29 July 2025 In the age of the transfer portal and even more recently players being able to get paid for their name, image and likeness, leaving a program for whatever reason has become much easier for players. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • The photo was shared in a July 20 Instagram post that featured a carousel of images of Gomez and her loved ones, including her fiancé, Benny Blanco.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In the real world, a user creating an image with a watermarked AI image-generator wouldn’t receive two images—one with watermark, and one without—for comparison.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • So, no wonder a full-scale replica is going on sale again.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The model replica includes rooms inside the house, but isn't furnished.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The hero image from magazine’s most recent issue bears an uncanny resemblance to the now former editor-in-chief’s first cover at the helm of American Vogue.
    Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The violent scene the world watched in those videos bears little resemblance to the violence Cincinnati police officers most often encounter on patrol, and the rhetoric on social media about soaring crime rates and rampaging mobs doesn’t reflect short- or long-term trends in the city’s crime data.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Few tourists, and fewer locals, would recognize the nightmarish place in Trump’s depiction.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Bringing that role to life was Jack Black, who admitted the film’s depiction of diva actors has a ring of truth.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • While Trump's approval rating nationally remains historically low, a look at state-by-state survey results show a more complicated picture.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The Grammy winner also shared a few pictures from the event, including a group photo of herself and the fans smiling at the camera as well as a snap of everyone dancing to the unreleased music.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to similarities in appearance, the young cowbirds are drawn to the chattering noises of adult female cowbirds (read more here).
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Modi and Trump are populists with ideological similarities and had previously campaigned for each other.
    Salil Tripathi, Time, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That movie was an acerbic portrait of a friendship gone sour, laced with barbed insults.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Shot on 16mm, this earthy, psychological portrait of a working-class community’s cyclical existence is an atmospheric plunge into the eerie.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Ruck twins, Liam and Markus, who play for the reigning WHL champion Medicine Hat Tigers, have also stood out, as has 2027 draft-eligible defenseman Landon DuPont. Team USA Names to Note The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an interesting tournament for the Americans.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The actress is reportedly planning to relocate as soon as her twins, who are now 17, turn 18.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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