likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
Synonyms of likenessnext
1
: copy, portrait
2
: appearance, semblance
3
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

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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
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.
In brand and likeness, Sabonis is not flashy compared to some of the other top stars at the pinnacle of the sport today. —Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 In an August 2023 interview with Audacy Live, Sheeran expressed discomfort with how accurately AI can replicate someone's vocals and likeness. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 Burtka opted for the likeness of Poseidon the god of the sea, carrying a trident and wearing shelled armor. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Here’s What to Know About ‘Black Ops 6’ Passing on the fedora While Harrison Ford’s likeness is used for Indiana Jones, the person portraying him via motion capture and VO is veteran voice actor Troy Baker. —George Yang, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for likeness 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of likeness was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing likeness

Dictionary Entries Near likeness

liken

likeness

like new

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likeness. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

likeness

noun
like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
: a picture especially of a person : portrait
2
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

More from Merriam-Webster on likeness

Nglish: Translation of likeness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of likeness for Arabic Speakers

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