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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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.
The Hawkeyes have struggled to attract elite talent because of their shallow pool of funds for name, image and likeness compensation, though McCaffery’s 2025 class is ranked fifth in the Big Ten by the 247Sports composite. — Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 The music, name and likeness of Notorious B.I.G. will soon have a new home as the late rapper’s estate is close to signing a deal with Primary Wave, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. — Shirley Halperin For The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025 The House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade has scheduled a hearing on college sports name, image and likeness for March 4, according to a notice sent Tuesday by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), chairman of the subcommittee. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Feb. 2025 The Queen had likenesses of Beth and her other dog, Bluebell, embroidered near the trim of her gown by designer Bruce Oldfield. — Stephanie Petit, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 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

Rhymes for likeness

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likeness
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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likeness. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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

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Nglish: Translation of likeness for Spanish Speakers

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