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
  • For a number of variables, their comparison to the initial six-hours-ahead forecast from the other models shows WeatherNext 3 doing worse before pulling ahead for the rest of a 15-day forecast.
    Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The comparison also fits because of the modern tech bros’ constant attempts (following Steve Jobs’s lead) to refashion themselves as magicians.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Give that interest something concrete, such as researching a course, comparing destinations, or choosing a date.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Line chart comparing raw sugar futures with the S&P 500 in 2026.
    Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The following rise of the digital computer supplied another powerful analogy.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Heading into training camp, Jim Harbaugh made the analogy of the Chargers ramping up like an airplane.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 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
  • By clearing the technical barrier of spatial geometry first, the team plans to combine this encoding layer with other quantum equations to calculate three-dimensional nuclear systems that standard supercomputers still struggle to solve.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Knee-high boots are, of course, autumnal no-brainers, but women with wide feet often struggle to find pairs that suit their anatomy (especially if wide calves are also in the equation).
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likening. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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