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 next

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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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 But in this day and age of college football, with name, image and likeness deals keeping kids in college and depleting draft classes … are there really any reaches outside of the first 20 picks? —

Vic Tafur, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Bloomington even temporarily renamed an actual pond in his likeness, before Indiana’s national championship in January. —

Noah White, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 The college game has in recent years become one of change as players more frequently come and go every year, some seeking a fresh start, or a chance to cash in on name, image and likeness, otherwise known as NIL. —

Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Except where prohibited, acceptance of the Prize constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions, biographical information, hometown, and state for promotional purposes in any media without further payment of consideration. —

AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

Alpencamper View gallery - 13 images Most bicycle campers just tow, but there are some that flip, that drop, that pitch and that straight blow up.

— C.C. Weiss May 01, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
However, the image of the Indigenous man is still featured around the campus, including in a large mural in the gym.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

Definition of image

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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 3 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of likeness

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