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

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

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as in replica

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

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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

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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

Example 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 Rights, approvals and protections for digital replicas, voice, likeness and content now have to be addressed up front, not as an afterthought. — Claudia Rosenbaum, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 As actors face growing concerns about their voice, body and likeness being used without consent or compensation, the storyline resonated with the actors. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 While there are men who have been affected — George Brett Olson has been one vocal example — the majority affected seem to be women, whose likenesses are often exaggerated or distorted for the purposes of sexualization. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Rahm will have his name, image, and likeness rights returned to him as part of the deal, ESPN reported, citing court records. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

Aljafari is recognized for his distinctive cinematic practice exploring memory, history, identity and the politics of images.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
Rather than embrace the provocative image associated with some of her early roles, Portman maintained a more reserved public image.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of image

Noun

Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
That team, fittingly enough, will be honored during the Hurricanes’ game on Saturday against Pittsburgh, with the current team wearing replica jerseys to recognize the group.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of replica

Noun

And more importantly, what is this anxiety so many men feel about their emotions that drives them to torturously invent bodies that bear little resemblance to the human form?

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
For many people, however, the presentation instead bears an uncanny and unfortunate resemblance to imagery used in Nazi-era Germany.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of resemblance

Noun

Labeled by the press as a farmer and his wife, the depiction of the couple found detractors in both Iowans and art critics.

— Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
So the ability for people to make visual depictions and reach towards cinematic success became more palpable or more accessible.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of depiction

Noun

As the Chicago meningococcal outbreak illustrates, health officials need a complete picture to protect people from disease and other threats.

— Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Indeed, Raad is best known for his own method of fabulation, marrying stories and pictures, imaginations and histories.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of picture

Noun

Despite their similarities, pumpkin seeds and walnuts work in different ways to help lower blood sugar.

— Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2026
The Jayhawks aren’t quite as dynamic as West Virginia, but there are similarities with the personnel and the objective of the offense.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of similarity

Noun

But whether a matter of intention or circumstance, what emerges in place of star power is a more intimate portrait of Perry and his decadeslong struggle with substance abuse, leading to his death from a ketamine overdose in the fall of 2023.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
This is a portrait, ballpoint pen on notebook paper, of a woman existing somewhere on Planet Earth.

— Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of portrait

Noun

Dassault Systèmes is creating a virtual twin of the logistics environment using its DELMIA application and 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Caprioni ordered $50,000 fines for each of the counts the brothers were convicted of – totaling $300,000 for each twin and $350,000 for Tal.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of twin

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Style

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of likeness

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