1
as in compares
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of likens
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
State officials describe reserves and investments as important for understanding facilities’ total wealth, while the hospital association likens them to retirement accounts that no one wants to tap for daily expenses.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Senior commerce editor Nashia Baker likens this pillow to the feeling of a crisp autumn night, cracking your window to get a fresh breeze.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026
Rick likens his son’s interactions with the media to those of Bill Belichick, the legendary football coach and master of the monosyllabic press conference.
—Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026
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
State officials describe reserves and investments as important for understanding facilities’ total wealth, while the hospital association likens them to retirement accounts that no one wants to tap for daily expenses.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Senior commerce editor Nashia Baker likens this pillow to the feeling of a crisp autumn night, cracking your window to get a fresh breeze.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026
Rick likens his son’s interactions with the media to those of Bill Belichick, the legendary football coach and master of the monosyllabic press conference.
—Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likens
Verb
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In the case of UniQure, the FDA asked the company to run a new study that directly compares its treatment to placebo.—
Angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
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When someone else pays, no one shops around, no one compares prices and no one asks whether a service is worth it.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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Subsequent rulings expanded the assault on our electoral system, including Citizens United, which equates people to corporations — more nonsense.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likens. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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