likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
Synonyms of likenessnext
1
: copy, portrait
2
: appearance, semblance
3
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms

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likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy 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

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

a stamp bearing the likeness of a president There's some likeness between them. There's an uncanny likeness between them.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the age of the transfer portal and even more recently players being able to get paid for their name, image and likeness, leaving a program for whatever reason has become much easier for players. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025 If Hulk Hogan’s name, image and likeness are on par with Monroe and Ali, the brand is probably worth at least what Marvel floated it as—$35 million. — Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 31 July 2025 The new agency vetting name, image and likeness deals in college sports reached an agreement Thursday that relaxes standards on player agreements with third-party collectives and avoids taking the issue back to court after years of legal wrangling. — Eddie Pells, Twin Cities, 31 July 2025 And the new feature is sparking its own concerns over its potential use in creating deepfakes—digitally altered videos of individuals that can imitate someone’s likeness and can often be published without their consent. — Solcyré Burga, Time, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for likeness

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of likeness was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing likeness

Rhymes for likeness

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Browse Nearby Words

liken
likeness
like new
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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likeness. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

likeness

noun
like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
: a picture especially of a person : portrait
2
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

More from Merriam-Webster on likeness

Nglish: Translation of likeness for Spanish Speakers

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