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

Bush’s legal team responded to the dismissal request by accusing USC, the NCAA and the Pac-12 of continuing to profit from Bush’s name, image and likeness. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

And, of course, name, image and likeness deals will continue to exist. —Nicole Auerbach, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024

Iowa played summer exhibition games in Italy and Croatia, and with the help of name, image, and likeness (NIL) sponsorship money from brands like Nike, Buick, and the midwestern grocery chain Hy-Vee, Clark treated her teammates to a yacht outing in the Adriatic. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024

What about payments to players under name, image and likeness (NIL)? —Zach Przystup, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 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