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

Murphy is taking over the co-anchor slot vacated by Stephanie Grady, who left Channel 6 in October to launch Influential Athlete LLC, a business working with female high school and college athletes on name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, branding and other career opportunities. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024

In March, Barbie celebrated International Women’s Day and the brand’s 65th birthday by honoring Viola Davis and other storytellers with a one-of-a-kind role model doll made in their likeness. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024

The National Basketball Association has also bought into AR, allowing fans to insert their likeness into a game through the official NBA app, where it would be modeled onto one of the actual players. —Vinayak S., Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

According to the advertisement, each of the queens were made aware that Warhol planned to reimagine their likenesses in bold colors and shapes. —Emily Palmer, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

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