likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
2
3
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance
Choose the Right Synonym for likeness

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy 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

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

a stamp bearing the likeness of a president There's some likeness between them. There's an uncanny likeness between them.
Recent Examples on the Web Williams is not merely a generational talent, but also a face, maybe The Face, of his generation’s disruption of a college sports economic model in which athletes, no longer nominal amateurs, can now cash in on their name, image and likeness. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2024 In early June, The Florida High School Athletic Association unanimously approved changes to their bylaws which allow students to benefit from their name, image and likeness. Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 18 June 2024 Now, Guo is leaning hard into the name, image and likeness (NIL) space, using college athletes to help her company expand. Dylan Manfre, Sportico.com, 13 June 2024 Accusations range from prioritizing product development over safety to using the likeness of actor Scarlett Johansson’s voice without her consent. Harry Booth, TIME, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for likeness 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'likeness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of likeness was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near likeness

Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likeness. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

likeness

noun
like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
: a picture especially of a person : portrait
2
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

More from Merriam-Webster on likeness

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