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
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 Sources additionally say that officers have burnt out while working overtime month after month — all on top of functioning in an already tense and dangerous environment, likening the situation to a powder keg ready to blow. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026 And this guy does not like vaccines one bit, likening them to a Nazi plot. Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026 Prior believes Snell will need at least four to five outings, likening it to a spring training buildup. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 But several others took a more critical stance, instead likening his actions to market manipulation. Alex Harring,luke Fountain, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likening
Noun
  • Bailey, for comparison, has a Fielding Run Value of +4 despite playing significantly more innings.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But for Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), the local personalities pale in comparison to the evils lurking beneath the cursed island’s surface.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The review was criticized at the time for comparing the United States to Denmark, a much smaller county that provides universal health care to its citizens.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Krueger is bullish on how all forms of internal load data can further individualize training regimens for athletes, comparing the evolution of the space to the introduction of GPS-tracking data into sports.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That simple analogy may be one of the most compelling aspects of EverDye’s approach.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the time, senators exercising this role must rely on gauzy assurances and strained analogies to the candidate’s performance in previous positions.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, the article warns against equating token consumption with productivity or business value.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Some comics readers have taken issue with King’s past, equating his service with pro-war sentiment.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Mother Nature complicates the equation further because the same vineyard can yield different amounts of grapes each year.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Reach of local media adds to the equation The decline of local media may also be changing the incentives around debates.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likening. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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