liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlī-kə-niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)
ˈlīk-niŋ

transitive verb

: to represent as similar : compare

Examples of liken in a Sentence

he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent.
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.
Both Scofidio and Diller throughout the years likened their practice to jumping off a cliff but Scofidio perhaps best encapsulated the couple’s ethos in a 2009 interview with Charlie Rose. News Desk, Artforum, 13 Mar. 2025 Soto-Wright likened the deal’s potential impact to the transformation seen in telecommunications. Mackenzie Sigalos,jacqueline Corba, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025 Board member Charles Cush likened the plan to a space launch and wanted to ensure all the district’s stakeholders, including administration, the school board, teachers, staff, parents and students, gave their approval before implementation. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 Hasler likens it to an orchestra of clocks, with the conductor directing from the hypothalamus, a small region within the center of the brain. Sarah Boden, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liken

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liken was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liken. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

liken

verb
lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlīk-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on liken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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