likened

past tense of liken
1
as in compared
to describe as similar he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

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2
as in identified
to regard or represent as equal or comparable I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent

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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 likened Daniel Gilford, a meteorologist and atmospheric scientist at the nonprofit research group Climate Central, likened tropical cyclones to a car engine, with warm ocean water acting like fuel. Denise Chow, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 Ritchie and James have both likened the story to that of Michael Corleone in The Godfather movies. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week likened Iran to a snake that has been decapitated but whose body is still writhing. Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 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 Price likened his attraction to the format to his early embrace of streaming entertainment back in the days when Hollywood remained skeptical of its staying power. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 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 Haam likened the closures to the period following the 2008 financial crisis. Payal Uttam, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likened
Verb
  • Einstein’s special theory of relativity shows that, compared with a stationary observer, time flows more slowly for moving objects.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The superintendent, Chris Ragsdale, compared people who oppose book banning to people who support human trafficking.
    Adam Beam, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some visitors say paying respects at Yasukuni carries a spiritual meaning that should not be equated with endorsing war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • People like to knock Nolan’s screenwriting, which is often equated with dialogue.
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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