as in comparison
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1
as in comparing
to describe as similar
he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in equating
to regard or represent as equal or comparable
I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of likening
Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Contributor Kelsey Borovinsky tested the full Hästens bed and bed linens system back in 2023, likening the experience to sleeping on a cloud.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 June 2026
As Business Insider reports, the state’s health body is accusing Tiger of selling alloClae in the state without a license, likening these actions to some sort of grand conspiracy.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 11 June 2026
Bravo, on the other hand, is faring better, with one buyer likening it to late-night from a few years ago, when advertisers were willing to pay higher rates to reach the younger audiences that reliably tuned in.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 June 2026
Protecting Cornell’s legacy was also on Thayil’s mind when working on the memoir, and wanting to do so with the utmost care, often likening himself to the guardian big brother of the band.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 9 June 2026
When speaking about the departures of McDuffie, Watson, Bryan Cook and Leo Chenal, Spagnuolo grew somewhat emotional, likening them to his own sons.
—Pete Sweeney
june 4, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
The gathering is sometimes called Russia’s Davos, likening it to the World Economic Forum held in Switzerland.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
It is sometimes called Russia’s Davos, likening it to the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Verb
Speculative ticketing is among the most controversial practices in the live events space, with critics likening the strategy to fraud.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Contributor Kelsey Borovinsky tested the full Hästens bed and bed linens system back in 2023, likening the experience to sleeping on a cloud.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 June 2026
As Business Insider reports, the state’s health body is accusing Tiger of selling alloClae in the state without a license, likening these actions to some sort of grand conspiracy.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 11 June 2026
Bravo, on the other hand, is faring better, with one buyer likening it to late-night from a few years ago, when advertisers were willing to pay higher rates to reach the younger audiences that reliably tuned in.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 June 2026
Protecting Cornell’s legacy was also on Thayil’s mind when working on the memoir, and wanting to do so with the utmost care, often likening himself to the guardian big brother of the band.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 9 June 2026
When speaking about the departures of McDuffie, Watson, Bryan Cook and Leo Chenal, Spagnuolo grew somewhat emotional, likening them to his own sons.
—Pete Sweeney
june 4, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
The gathering is sometimes called Russia’s Davos, likening it to the World Economic Forum held in Switzerland.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
It is sometimes called Russia’s Davos, likening it to the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likening
Noun
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The example of New Zealand drawing with Italy in 2010 is a better comparison with Cape Verde drawing with Spain.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
Luxury retreats, by comparison, start around $7,000 and climb from there.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Persuasive essays comparing restaurants covered in peer-feedback notes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2026
-
And the difference is even starker when comparing the value of their rosters.—
Madhulika Pathak,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
The intent was beautiful; the analogy of daily deposits.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
The best analogy to direct democracy in contemporary life is jury duty, which generally seems to go better than anyone expects.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Verb
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There is a version of leadership that confuses visibility with impact, equating big initiatives and dramatic turnarounds with strong leadership.—
Monica Cutia,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Israel and the United States condemned the move, accusing the court of equating Israeli leaders with Hamas terrorists.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Now, a team of international researchers has created a workaround that could take the heat out of the equation entirely.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
-
Add generative AI to that equation, and harassment no longer requires a keyboard and a cruel comment.—
Richard Fowler,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likening. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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