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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in replica

something or someone that strongly resembles another why, you're the very likeness of your mother!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The outlet added that the order will aim to increase the NCAA’s control over athletes amid the new era of name, image, and likeness. —

Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026 But thanks to the introduction in 2021 of NIL, which allows student-athletes to be compensated for their names, images and likenesses, everything changed. —

Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026 Some San Benito residents have called for Crockett’s likeness to be painted alongside Fender on the Rio Grande Valley’s landmark water tower. —

Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026 UConn held its practice Wednesday afternoon at the Phoenix’s Mercury’s practice facility, where the hardwood is named the Diana Taurasi Court and bears a logo of her likeness wearing her jersey number 3. —

Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

likened

likeness

likenesses

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of likeness

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on likeness

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

laudable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is it 'further' or 'farther'?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is it 'further' or 'farther'?

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes