LIKENESS Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

likeness

noun

ˈlīk-nəs

Definition of likeness next

as in image

a two-dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing the wealthy businessman hired a leading artist to paint his likeness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in replica

something or someone that strongly resembles another why, you're the very likeness of your mother!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in resemblance

the quality or state of having many qualities in common the forgery was difficult to detect due to the pinpoint likeness it bore to the original

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of likeness The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released guidance on Thursday regarding name, image and likeness (NIL) pay and its compliance under federal Title IX rules. —

Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025 In February 2024, a federal judge barred the NCAA from preventing recruits discussing deals with booster groups or other organizations in exchange for the use of their name, image, and likeness. —

Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 15 Jan. 2025 Majorities of those surveyed felt the same about combatting the unauthorized use of individuals' likenesses (62%) and AI's impact on job losses (52%). —

Ivana Saric, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 Up until recently, high school athletes couldn’t profit off of their name, image, and likeness in The Sunshine State. —

Mat Issa, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

The album cover features an image of Miller painted by artist Alim Smith, who posted it to his Instagram page in Sept. 2018.

— Anna Tingley, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
Since leaving the White House, Mr. Trump has lent his name and image to dozens of products.

— Karen Yourish, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025