1
as in compared
to describe as similar
he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of likened
Haidt is a noted NYU professor who spoke at Thursday’s graduation ceremony against the wishes of many of the school’s students, who likened his appearance to being kicked in the rear on the way out the door.
—
Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026
Another editor likened its flavor to a Tootsie Roll, describing it as nice but too sweet.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Sometimes small breaches reveal weaknesses that threat actors later exploit in future leaks, said Yuceel, who likened it to a leak in a boat.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
The project, which the producers have likened in spirit to Paramount sci-fi horror 10 Cloverfield Lane, is due to start production in France in mid July of this year.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Mitchell likened it to how Bickerstaff used Isaac Okoro with the Cavaliers a few years ago.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 6 May 2026
One mall landlord likened the effect to a mild replay of the COVID-19 pandemic, as shoppers and mall employees cut back on time spent at malls in Latino neighborhoods.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Marks likened Aldi’s recent success to quick service restaurants that have expanded during previous tight economic times.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Three-year-old horses in the spring of the year are fast-developing athletes, often likened by racing insiders to human teenagers.
—NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026
Another editor likened its flavor to a Tootsie Roll, describing it as nice but too sweet.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Sometimes small breaches reveal weaknesses that threat actors later exploit in future leaks, said Yuceel, who likened it to a leak in a boat.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
The project, which the producers have likened in spirit to Paramount sci-fi horror 10 Cloverfield Lane, is due to start production in France in mid July of this year.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Mitchell likened it to how Bickerstaff used Isaac Okoro with the Cavaliers a few years ago.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 6 May 2026
One mall landlord likened the effect to a mild replay of the COVID-19 pandemic, as shoppers and mall employees cut back on time spent at malls in Latino neighborhoods.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Marks likened Aldi’s recent success to quick service restaurants that have expanded during previous tight economic times.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Three-year-old horses in the spring of the year are fast-developing athletes, often likened by racing insiders to human teenagers.
—NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likened
Verb
-
Violent crime dropped by nearly half from his first year as mayor to his last, according to LAPD and FBI-era data, and city leaders frequently touted LA’s turnaround compared with the 1990s.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Just under 40% of its housing is occupied by its owners, compared with the national average of 65%, according to Census Bureau figures.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy equated Brown’s role this season to a fork in the road, though not in a do-this-or-things-won’t-go-well way.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
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Ignoring Jewish religious belief, history, and culture, Sartre equated Jewish identity with legitimate fear of antisemitic violence.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likened. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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