likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms of likeness

• image
• depiction
• portrait
• illustration
• 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

YouTube has built likeness detection technology that automatically identifies when an artist’s likeness is being used without permission. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 June 2026

Still, fighter likeness is not a major area of concern for me because the game looks beautiful overall. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

The legislation gives individuals the right to authorize the use of their voice and likeness in digital replication. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 June 2026

Clark believes that as college athletics continue to tackle issues such as name, image and likeness (NIL) and revenue sharing, it’s bound to have an impact on coaching staffs. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2026

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