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

Dr. Wachter likens the situation to having “a baby that required constant feeding and diaper changes but never smiled at you.”

From The Wall Street Journal

We are told of his riding an elephant with Michelangelo Antonioni, and his likening of Andrei Tarkovsky to a younger brother.

From The Wall Street Journal

But commenters on social media have turned the accusation back on Altman, with some likening his post to "the digital equivalent of a toddler throwing a tantrum".

From BBC

Mr. Newman likens his model of creativity to an archaeological expedition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hafsa likened the community response in the face of the unprecedented immigration crackdown to giving first aid to a wounded patient.

From Barron's

Related Words

• equate
• relate