likens

present tense third-person singular of liken
1
as in compares
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 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

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 likens Winslett likens the strategy to destinations like Scotland (scotch), Modena, Italy (vinegar) and Champagne, France (champagne). Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 5 Sep. 2025 Berger-Duquene likens it to olive oil production, where the first press produces the fruit’s truest expression. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025 Musk, who is a board member at SpaceX and Tesla, which are part of his brother Elon’s business empire, likens drone entertainment today to the early days of Disney’s animation efforts. Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025 Raasay is the island neighbour to Talisker, and Philips likens The Draam to it and its more distant cousin, Highland Park. Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy, always quick with a colorful phrase, likens Woodruff to John Wayne. Will Sammon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 Kennedy likens the current IPO resurgence to the post-financial crisis era, and specifically, a five-year stretch between 2014 and 2019 during which IPO offerings rebounded. Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025 Ma likens OpenWav to WeChat, the Chinese super-app where its users can do everything from send messages to pay their bills. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2025 Alpert likens it to hugging a bag of marshmallows. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likens
Verb
  • When his editor encourages him to ease up a little, Lee compares his pursuit of the family to FDR learning about Adolph Hitler.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This guide compares the best internet providers in Idaho by price, speed and availability, while also highlighting ways to find the fastest connection and programs that may lower your monthly bill.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dunne captures all of that in the title track, a bouncy, bittersweet singalong that equates success with a baked seafood dish.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Pentagon equates Venezuelan President Maduro's government to a narco-trafficking cartel.
    Phil Stewart, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likens. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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