likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs How to pronounce likeness (audio)
1
2
3
: the quality or state of being like : resemblance
Choose the Right Synonym for likeness

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.
At one point, President Donald Trump was considering an executive order to regulate name, image and likeness in college sports after meeting with legendary Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, the Wall Street Journal reported. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025 Thirty Ink incurs annual expenses for delivering on Curry's name, image and likeness to earn revenue through that relationship, and those sales aren't impacted by traditional operational costs. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 5 June 2025 For a long time, student-athletes were not allowed to earn money for their name, image and likeness, and that was wrong. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025 Celebrities and public figures face additional challenges in terms of asset location and valuation because of rights of publicity (name, likeness, and image rights) which may be deemed to be located in the U.S. even though all their assets are abroad. Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Likeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likeness. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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

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