LIKEN Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

liken

verb

ˈlī-kən

Definition of liken

as in to compare

to describe as similar he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

contrast

as in to equate

to regard or represent as equal or comparable I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 liken Cameron likened the transformation to the Tin Man getting a heart in The Wizard of Oz. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 Homidi likened the development of the new lash lacquer to a science project, calling mascara one of the toughest categories to enter but arguing the reward would be worth it. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 Ted needs further clarification, which leads Alice to liken each to the central Harry Potter characters, which in turn requires Beard to reframe it in terms of characters from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, which lines up surprisingly well. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Darline Graham likened her work ethic to her brother's, and credited their hardworking parents who ran a bar and liquor store in central South Carolina for modeling that ethic. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for liken

Verb

Other companies are testing longer-acting biologics, including one experimental drug aiming for a single injection just once a year, compared with the every-two-month schedule most patients follow now.

— Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Additional study of the hexagon and now a decagon could help astronomers compare formations on the opposite ends of Saturn and learn more about a gas giant's weather patterns, according to NASA.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of compare

Verb

The study’s authors are careful to frame Qurayyah Painted Ware as an example of ancient brand-making, rather than directly equating it with a modern multinational brand.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Others on Wall Street, however, see higher levels of risk, equating Meta's case to Big Tobacco in the 1990s when tobacco companies had to pay billions for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of equate

Browse Nearby Words

likely

liken

likened

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Liken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liken. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of liken

verb

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