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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Using the likeness of late actor Toshiro Mifune certainly helps, but there’s a lot of subtle and not-so-subtle facial work in this game that breathes life into Miyamoto Musashi, the titular Onimusha. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 The states in the chain's operating area have more than 100 Division I football programs, and Casey's has name, image and likeness deals with three standouts, including Iowa preseason All-American offensive lineman Trevor Lauck. — Israel Schuman, Des Moines Register, 28 Aug. 2026 Our nation’s capital is besmirched, on his say-so, with signs and banners bearing his likeness and name. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 In the middle of it all stands a gleaming bronze likeness of Johnny Ramone, frozen forever mid-riff, evoking the landmark’s strange yet splendorous afterlife environment. — Lina Lecaro, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

Following Abloh’s death in November 2021, Kamara was appointed as art and image director and presented his first show, Spring/Summer 2023, in Paris that year.

— Luke Leitch, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
The telescope’s first images are expected in the beginning months of 2027.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of image

Noun

For his part, Breen says that both dates are false and that the yearbook picture (which bears a striking resemblance to him) is a different person.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
And yes, most everyone will call it the Batmobile, as the resemblance certainly warrants it.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of resemblance

Noun

But unlike the Peter Farrelly film, By Any Means — which was directed by Elegance Bratton and written by Sascha Penn — isn’t interested in cloying depictions of interracial high jinks and bonding.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
While Patchett’s depiction of equine behavior is fairly realistic, the decisions of the main character in this central tale are less so.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of depiction

Noun

In a clip from the upcoming season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Paul discusses with her castmates what happened at the Bachelor mansion and the similarities between the winner and her ex, Dakota Mortensen.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
There should be some similarities between how Seattle and the Chargers run their defenses.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of similarity

Noun

Giovanna had spent almost forty years researching Fernanda and, in a way, had already created her own portrait of her.

— Roberto Prieto, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
As Ghostface prepared to leave the Boone, Kansas City artist Deaunte Thomas approached him carrying a portrait depicting Ghostface alongside other members of Wu-Tang Clan.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of portrait

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likened

likeness

likenesses

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“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of likeness

noun

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