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

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as in replica

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The No Fakes bill proposes to cover unauthorized replicas of a person’s voice and likeness more broadly. — Shira Lazar, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2026 The bill regulates college athletics, including transfer eligibility and name, image and likeness rights. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 For the sake of his reputation, anyone whose likeness appears in this book gets VETTED and pronounced innocent by DAVE. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 The legislation would also codify the regulation of name, image and likeness deals that have transformed college athletics in recent years by allowing athletes to be paid — some of them as much as millions of dollars per season. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

As their names suggest, one perfume bottle features an image of pizza and the other of pasta on its front.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
The rooms are incredibly cozy, with gas fireplaces, a pull-out couch, and framed images of different landmarks around the Presidio.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of image

Noun

Hanging beside a replica wooden hut was a birdcage with a note explaining that the parrot had been removed for its own mental well-being.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Eight interconnecting venues offer everything from French-Japanese fusion, an oyster and ceviche bar, poolside cocktails, and a replica speakeasy.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of replica

Noun

In her review of the exhibition, critic Aruna D’Souza sees this resemblance as a blind spot in the show’s curation.

— Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Basically a ribeye with one long rib bone still attached and scraped clean, this cut of meat gets its name from its resemblance to a tomahawk.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of resemblance

Noun

The play’s depiction of extrajudicial killing and out-of-control military leadership resonate with Whitford.

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
In fact, the book’s depiction of Nick’s friendship and burgeoning relationship with Daisy’s golf-loving best friend Jordan Baker is upgraded to a torrid romance with its own love song and bedroom scenes that match Daisy’s and Gatsby’s.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of depiction

Noun

While population growth has long been a tailwind for growth and creditworthiness, falling fertility rates and unprecedented speed of changing age structures are now changing that picture, Moody’s writes.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
In a picture shared in the post taken on Fall Picture Day, Cagle said Burfield had relaxed smile and a sense of ease.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of picture

Noun

Even while exposing the sheer otherness of rock and metal, the piece implies that there is an unexpected similarity between us and inanimate things.

— Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Klobuchar noted the similarities in Atlanta’s and Iowa’s team names and accused Schmitt of relying on false information to suggest Smith had secretly traveled to Atlanta.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of similarity

Noun

Other organizations abandoned associations with Hastert, and his portrait was removed from a hallway outside the House chamber.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
While a portrait collection of the resort’s presidential guests caters to quite a fitting name, there’s a new top tier spirit and fine wine collection–along with swanky designs, space for live music, and eventually, a game of pool.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of portrait

Noun

That her means of exit is abandoning her newborn twins is less than sympathetic, but in a different era Cathy would have options beyond a domesticity that never suited her in the first place.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
This is where digital twins become useful as decision-validation tools.

— Amruth Puppala, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of twin

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

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Synonyms of likeness

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