liken

American  

[lahy-kuhn] / ˈlaɪ kən /

verb (used with object)

1. to represent as similar or like; compare.

   to liken someone to a weasel.

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liken British  

/ ˈlaɪkən /

verb

1. (tr) to see or represent as the same or similar; compare

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Other Word Forms

• unlikened adjective

Etymology

Origin of liken

First recorded in 1275–1325, liken is from the Middle English word liknen. See like ¹, -en ¹

Example Sentences

Volkswagen has likened China to a “fitness center” for the company.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has been publicly trolling the board and Chief Executive Calvin McDonald, likening their mistakes to a plane crash.

From The Wall Street Journal

State media likened Takaichi to the Japanese militarists who led the country into World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Crow likens this period to the Civil War, when the government supported the creation of land-grant universities: “an unbelievable opportunity,” he says, despite “bloodbaths going on all of the time.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The company’s critics liken the environment to a casino, but its fans credit Robinhood with democratizing the lucrative world of sophisticated investments.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• equate
• relate