1
as in compares
to describe as similar
he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in identifies
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
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Recent Examples of likens
Rahim likens this new interpretation to The Fugitive.
—
Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
Justin Cappos, a professor of computer science at New York University, who studies software supply-chain security, likens the attack to a typewriter hiding a second message in plain sight.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2026
Sana likens her vision to seeing through a cereal packet.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
But Florida healthcare attorney Jeff Cohen likens enforcement of the law to exceeding the speed limit, with violators rarely being pulled over.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Novoplansky likens this change in sunlight to that of clouds passing before the sun, which is the rule rather than the exception for these trees.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
The Justice Department contends both the mask ban and the ID law illegally interfere with the operation of the federal government, a violation of the Constitution’s supremacy clause, while California likens them to highway speed limits, which apply to everyone equally.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Krishnaswamy likens this to the effects of pebbles tossed into a pond.
—Margo Anderson, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2026
Kim Jung-hyun likens it to a chain – one that, handled carelessly, might snap or tangle, but handled with care, might yet be unraveled.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
Justin Cappos, a professor of computer science at New York University, who studies software supply-chain security, likens the attack to a typewriter hiding a second message in plain sight.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2026
Sana likens her vision to seeing through a cereal packet.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
But Florida healthcare attorney Jeff Cohen likens enforcement of the law to exceeding the speed limit, with violators rarely being pulled over.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Novoplansky likens this change in sunlight to that of clouds passing before the sun, which is the rule rather than the exception for these trees.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
The Justice Department contends both the mask ban and the ID law illegally interfere with the operation of the federal government, a violation of the Constitution’s supremacy clause, while California likens them to highway speed limits, which apply to everyone equally.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Krishnaswamy likens this to the effects of pebbles tossed into a pond.
—Margo Anderson, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2026
Kim Jung-hyun likens it to a chain – one that, handled carelessly, might snap or tangle, but handled with care, might yet be unraveled.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likens
Verb
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Fifteen minutes later, the board reconvenes and compares conclusions before continuing the discussion.—
Jane Sadowsky,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
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Especially when FanGraphs compares it favorably to Sandy Koufax’s.—
Kevin Sherrington
Mar. 27,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a world that often equates growth with success, his model suggests another path.—
K. H. Koehler,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
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While some might say that was a sign of progress, Roby equates it as to losing a dear friend.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likens. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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