likeness

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 Except where prohibited, acceptance of the Prize constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions, biographical information, hometown, and state for promotional purposes in any media without further payment of consideration. AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Trump has also for months complained that athletes securing higher and higher salaries as part of the NCAA’s name, image and likeness era has changed things for the worse. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 In honor of being named as Barbie’s role model of the year, a toy has been made in the likeness of the 28-year-old athlete, who famously scored the winning goal in the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2022 and the clinching penalty in the 2025 Euro final. Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026 Part of the recent draft dip is certainly related to name, image and likeness money. Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • The machine scanned the skull using bright, nondestructive X-rays, generating over 9,000 high-resolution images and terabytes of data.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
  • An investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department also led to separate charges citing Mays for possession of more than 600 images of youth or child pornography and distribution of obscene matter involving someone younger than 18.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • During modern times, the Texas State Historic Site has served as prime picnic grounds that accommodated the Star of the Republic Museum, an ample visitors center, a replica of the Republic of Texas capitol building, and broad meadows fringed with forest where the original townsite stood.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
  • As part of his reward for donating his roe-swollen bigmouth to the stocking program, he’ll be given a replica mount of the huge fish.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Martin's additional cover photo looks—styled by celebrity stylist Daniel Gaines and photographed by Carin Backoff—only further highlight the mother-daughter duo's striking resemblance.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Moon rovers bearing a striking resemblance to Astrolab's FLEX lunar excursion vehicle are also seen scattered around the modules of a lunar base.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Phil Chan’s organization Final Bow for Yellowface has worked to end the practice of Yellowface in America’s most popular ballet, The Nutcracker, and bring authentic depictions of Asian culture to ballet stages.
    Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The narrative has gained influence in technology circles for its depiction of incremental rather than sudden transformation.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Even after the announcement, Grok was caught generating revealing pictures.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The mediocre Queen biopic remains one of the most head-scratching best picture nominees in recent memory.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • However, despite this similarity, scientists still lack a clear map of how different electronic states appear in nickelates as conditions change.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But while their games have some similarities, their personalities on the court are polar opposites.
    Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, a gripping portrait of a young prince caught between action and inaction, grief and rage, truth and deception.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Data and recordings from more than a hundred 911 calls at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, along with interviews and court filings, offer a disturbing portrait of overcrowding, medical neglect, malnutrition and emotional distress.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But the road to the Evans Scholarship was not one without challenges for the Johnson twins.
    Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Digital twins — virtual replicas of buildings — allow AI to catch design flaws and cost overruns before a single shovel hits the ground.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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