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 College athletes have started to curate their own personal brands ever since the inception of name, image and likeness deals. —

Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026 In the name, image and likeness (NIL) and transfer-portal era of college sports, schools are able to offer athletes significant money to play for their programs. —

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026 Whenever Corsight detected his face, it would be swapped for the likeness of Tom Cruise. —

Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 Georgia State University has unveiled a major plan to upgrade its athletic facilities and expand support for student-athletes, including new opportunities tied to name, image, and likeness deals. —

Christopher Harris, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

The images of that crash were shared widely online and caught Noah Williams' attention, triggering painful memories and taking him back to the day his own life changed forever.

— Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Iranian officials told civilians to be on the lookout for survivors and have flooded social media with images that purport to show wreckage from the aircraft.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of likeness

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