likeness

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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 Only an engraving of Equiano’s likeness printed in the frontispiece of The Interesting Narrative remains. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 May 2025 Orlando Sentinel Bassett met with the Tussauds creative team, including sculptors, colorists, hair experts and stylists, who took approximately 200 measurements and reference photos to re-create her likeness. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025 Close to four decades after it was lifted from the grave site of The Doors‘ late frontman Jim Morrison, a bust of his likeness has been recovered by French police. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 20 May 2025 A little birdie says a Gophers men’s sophomore basketball starting guard will play this year with a $700,000 name, image and likeness (NIL) deal. Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likeness
Noun
  • Any federal agent using Clearview or an alternative can take the same footage and run facial images to find matches across photos scraped from social sites.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Still image taken from a video posted to social media on Saturday morning shows federal law enforcement officers in Paramount, California.
    Rhona Tarrant, CBS News, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • The strike hinges on a single issue: SAG-AFTRA’s strong concerns regarding consent and compensation for the use of AI replicas.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Infantino has appeared at Trump's rallies, dined with him at Davos, and even presented him with a replica of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy — now displayed in the Oval Office.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Aside from a few minor departures from the facts, the scene is remarkably accurate, even if the actor Alex Wolff bears minimal resemblance to the real Alvarez, who was tall, blond, and blue-eyed.
    Alec Nevala-Lee June 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025
  • No resemblance The recent events in Los Angeles bear no resemblance to Wallace and Alabama’s rejection of federal law and authority.
    Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • But amidst this necessary reckoning, depictions of joy and meaning have been lost.
    Samantha Mann, Time, 5 June 2025
  • In a May 21 press release, the Vindolanda Trust identified the depiction as Victoria, the goddess of victory in Roman mythology.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Through almost two months of testimony, prosecutors have painted a picture of a winter night in the suburbs of Boston gone horribly wrong.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 16 June 2025
  • There was a picture on somebody’s Instagram with a side-by-side of him and me.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Sizemore sees some similarities in his approach this season.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • This further proves how much women really need each other to compare notes and find similarities when going through these health milestones.
    Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Even without all that, L.A. has a raft of problems on its hands, and the close-up at the moment is not a pretty portrait.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • Rosenheim believes that early photographic portraits empowered working-class Americans.
    Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Changing the twins to look nothing like one another actually leads to one of the best jokes in the film.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Using their special abilities, the twins and their flying friends embark on exciting adventures, working together to rescue other dragons.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likeness. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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