likeness

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word likeness distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of likeness are analogy, resemblance, similarity, and similitude. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use analogy instead of likeness?

In some situations, the words analogy and likeness are roughly equivalent. However, analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

When is resemblance a more appropriate choice than likeness?

The words resemblance and likeness are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When can similitude be used instead of likeness?

The meanings of similitude and likeness largely overlap; however, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The town's Hive Bakery has drawn both praise and ire over the past two weeks for selling cookies decorated with likenesses of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. State of play: The extra attention has driven up cake orders, pastry pickups and merch sales. Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024 Scarlett Johansson: The Black Widow star’s name and likeness were used for advertisements and endorsements. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Oct. 2024 Division one schools being allowed to start paying athletes directly for use of their name, image, and likeness, subject to a per school cap that would increase over time, but additional legal appeals could be on the way. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 Athletes would still be able to cut name, image and likeness deals with outside groups. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for likeness 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'likeness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near likeness

Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on likeness

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