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

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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Relevance

as in replica

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

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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 White House did not respond to questions about whether there are actual plans to add the president's likeness to Mount Rushmore and, if so, in what capacity. — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 3 July 2026 The system then provided a traffic light-esque model, where users declare whether AI is prohibited from (red), permitted with terms (yellow) or permitted (green) to use that person’s likeness. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 29 June 2026 For most of the 20th century, a gentleman’s agreement held that no building in Philadelphia rose higher than the brim of William Penn’s hat — the 37-foot bronze likeness of the city’s founder that stands atop City Hall. — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Organizations like the Creators Guild of America are actively building essential infrastructure, including contract standards, credit systems, and advocating for healthcare and AI likeness rights, a concern echoed by SAG-AFTRA. — Zoe Soon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness

Noun

The flag was also draped over Khamenei’s casket in images published last week by his official X account.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Rodríguez Castro, the person said, projects a similar tough-guy image.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of image

Noun

The company doesn’t break out sales of individual products, but as of Thursday, Nike’s website had sold out of most adult sizes in both of the USMNT’s home and away jerseys, including both authentic and replica editions.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
Another replica flag steeped in American history was aboard the International Space Station from November 2014 through June 2015.

— Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026

Definition of replica

Noun

Gomez's wedding guest dress also bore a striking resemblance to her 2025 Oscars dress, a custom off-the-shoulder piece by Ralph Lauren.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
This airy maxi dress bears a striking resemblance to the one Karen Allen wore in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which just happens to be one of my favorite movie costumes of all time.

— Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of resemblance

Noun

The idea was to reflect girlhood through different periods of American history, showing the changes and similarities in books and their accompanying dolls and historically accurate outfits.

— Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
If cultural similarity were the sine qua non of syncing up, then homogenous rosters would be the recipe for success.

— Michael Morris, Time, 1 July 2026

Definition of similarity

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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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of likeness

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