likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

• icon
• ikon
• illustration
• image
• picture

Choose the Right Synonym for likeness

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father

some similarity between the two cases

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

a stamp bearing the likeness of a president

There's some likeness between them.

There's an uncanny likeness between them.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now on the fourth anniversary of name, image and likeness legislation, Stricklin will face another unprecedented moment. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025

Yes, there’s the name, image and likeness component, where Notre Dame has grown into a serious player. —Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Pedro Pascal's likeness was celebrated at the latest viral lookalike contest on Sunday, June 15. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 16 June 2025

This is money meant as repayment to athletes who couldn’t legally collect on their name, image and likeness from their schools. —Alex Sherman, CNBC, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

Rhymes for likeness

• unlikeness

Kids Definition

likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: a picture especially of a person : portrait

2

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance