likening 1 of 2

likening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of liken
1
as in comparing
to describe as similar he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 likening
Verb
Marques Brownlee took issue with Haapoja likening generative AI to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (an iconic DSLR known for making shooting in 1080p full HD more affordable for independent filmmakers). Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 21 Aug. 2026 His bravado in attacking opponents’ campaign donors has earned him the moniker Meek Mill, likening his attacks to the rapper’s’ spitfire energy fueled from his time as a battle rapper. Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026 Prediction market platforms and their proponents say trading contracts on the markets is not the same as betting, likening it instead to trading on the stock market. Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Gone is a hadith likening Christians and Jews to maimed animals; 11th-grade students now learn about coexistence from the Prophet Muhammad’s treaties with Christians and Jews. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The article highlights the immense challenge of monitoring and universally regulating AI's speed, likening it to nuclear agreements needing verification. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Mike Flanagan teases his approach to The Mist, likening it to his Carrie TV series. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 The church leader in charge of translating and distributing biblical literature around the world made an impassioned call for funds, likening the texts to life-giving rain. Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Amazon shoppers are enamored with Allswifit’s cushy, highly supportive walking and running shoes, even likening them to Hoka sneakers. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likening
Noun
  • What isn't yet clear is how the A3 will fare in comparison to something like Weave Robotics' Isaac 1, which has a more cutesy appearance and is being designed to fold clothes and make beds.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Vaccines on the childhood vaccination schedule have been tested in clinical trials against placebos or comparison groups, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Which is why her character flicks through YouTube plastic surgery videos and stares at older women on the bus, comparing her wrinkles and checking her neck for any signs of sagging.
    Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Remind her that each of you is different and comparing doesn’t work at all.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The analogy isn’t all that persuasive at the level of ownership.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Astronomers are finding that in between the brightest stars, the 'tallest skyscrapers' in the above analogy, there are much fainter stars analogous to smaller buildings.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The study’s authors are careful to frame Qurayyah Painted Ware as an example of ancient brand-making, rather than directly equating it with a modern multinational brand.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Others on Wall Street, however, see higher levels of risk, equating Meta's case to Big Tobacco in the 1990s when tobacco companies had to pay billions for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Dr Zamani emphasizes that when retinol is in the equation, a simple skin-care routine is crucial.
    Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And the movie is an excellent reminder that the toons are only half of the equation.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likening. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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