1
as in comparing
to describe as similar
he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in comparison
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of likening
Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Warren segued into a high-level definition of microplastics, likening the tiny particles to the size of a sesame seed.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025
Former Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan praised what Jones has brought to the table, likening him to Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield.
—Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson likening UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava’s play to that of Vince Young.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
He's posted a video likening it to the Grim Reaper.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025
Yet likening aid to an insurance policy or a market venture misses the greatest strategic value of supporting others.
—Don Graves, Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2025
High-rise residents in the neighborhood complained too, likening the ads beaming from the billboard to something from Las Vegas or Hong Kong.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Such comparisons are too easily drawn, with too much self-righteousness, as though the guilt for what was done to the Jews could be lightened just a little by likening them to their own murderers.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
By likening the world to a stage and seeing ourselves as the actors living on it, this meta motif — while classical in concept — resonates strongly as a universal theme for those of us living today.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Warren segued into a high-level definition of microplastics, likening the tiny particles to the size of a sesame seed.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025
Former Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan praised what Jones has brought to the table, likening him to Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield.
—Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson likening UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava’s play to that of Vince Young.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
He's posted a video likening it to the Grim Reaper.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025
Yet likening aid to an insurance policy or a market venture misses the greatest strategic value of supporting others.
—Don Graves, Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2025
High-rise residents in the neighborhood complained too, likening the ads beaming from the billboard to something from Las Vegas or Hong Kong.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Such comparisons are too easily drawn, with too much self-righteousness, as though the guilt for what was done to the Jews could be lightened just a little by likening them to their own murderers.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likening
Verb
-
The researchers are planning for larger trials to evaluate the outcomes in specific groups of people, comparing low-dose radiation injections with medication regimens.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
17 Oct. 2025
-
However, the researchers stress that more research is needed using larger, more diverse populations, comparing this format to standard, eight-to-12-week CBT and face-to-face CBT, including an assessment of longer-term outcomes.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Bradenton, Florida Dotted with pristine sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters, no high rises and smaller crowds, Bradenton flies below the usual radar in comparison to nearby Tampa or Sarasota.—
Noreen Kompanik,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
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Now, more than 80% of its buildings have been damaged or destroyed, a figure with no modern comparison.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Carro, referring prior case law, said equating Mangione’s motives with terrorism risks trivializing the term.—
Max Rego,
The Hill,
16 Sep. 2025
-
For their part, Israeli leaders discovered the political utility of equating such hostility with Europe’s fascist past.—
Daniel May,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But Calise reminded the audience AI development and adoption is very much still in the first inning, to use a baseball analogy.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Max’s wide range of uses has prompted analogies to China’s WeChat.—
Justin Sherman,
The Atlantic,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The other part of the equation — making sure graduates land good jobs — is more complicated.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
-
As a result, Portland isn’t just synonymous with Nike and Columbia Sportswear, Laika now factors into that equation.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likening. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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