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 The legislation would allow individuals whose likeness has been used by AI to generate pornographic photos and videos without their consent to sue those responsible for generating or disseminating the content for upward of $150,000. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026 One morning Gu opened her blinds in a Beijing hotel and saw her likeness on five or so billboards outside. Sean Gregory, Time, 22 Jan. 2026 Lastly, beginning in 2021, name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts have permitted athletes to monetize their visibility by engaging with nonuniversity entities and signing contracts that pay them directly. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026 New name, image and likeness (NIL) rules allow student athletes to be compensated financially for their personal brand through sponsorships and endorsements. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • When properly aligned with the brand’s image, mega-events can also tap into new audiences.
    Charles Taylor, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The barrage of images broadcast out of Minneapolis and surrounding regions depict violent and brutal encounters and capture moments of utter fear, pain and confusion.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The main attraction of the park is the full sized replica of Sutter’s sawmill.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Near the beginning of the site’s trail, a replica village contains several ‘ewaas, which are traditional Kumeyaay homes.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • David Leach, the head of security, noted that a training program offered by the utility for technician jobs bears resemblances to Oakland’s cadet initiative.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The company also needed to align the RAV4 with its sharp new design language; its resemblance to the Grand Highlander, the 4Runner and even stalwarts like the the Land Cruiser is now much more clear.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Using a combination of AI classification and human review, researchers estimated that about 65 percent of all images were sexualized depictions of people, and a small but significant fraction involved children.
    The AI Insider, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
  • But that depiction was picked apart by a vast array of online onlookers, from law enforcement experts to ordinary Instagram users, some of whom replayed the videos frame by frame and zoomed in to show the episode in frightening detail.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His picture topped newspapers across the country under headlines announcing that the killer had surrendered.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • When the financial picture feels fragmented (too many reports, too much noise, not enough forward-looking insight), leaders hesitate.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Interestingly, another basin recently discovered in Gabii showed structural similarities, leading archaeologists to hypothesize that these pools may have served a sacred purpose.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026
  • But despite surface-level similarities, the 2026 system is not expected to match the 2021 storm in strength or staying power, experts say.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Noir laid her easel and 4-by-5-foot linen canvas against a boulevard tree and started painting a portrait of Good wearing the strapless red dress from her maternity photoshoot, her blonde hair blowing in the wind.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
  • For example, remote workers can benefit from Lyra’s clear portrait settings and the software’s automatic adjustments to create a more polished look during online meetings.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • If convicted, Oren and Alon Alexander, 38-year-old twins, and Tal Alexander, 39, could face life in prison.
    Isabelle McCauley, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Twinless was made for next-to-nothing and features O’Brien’s richest screen performance to date as twins — one grieving the death of the other.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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