likewise

American  

[lahyk-wahyz] / ˈlaɪkˌwaɪz /

adverb

1. moreover; in addition; also; too.

   She is likewise a fine lawyer.

2. in like manner; in the same way; similarly.

   I'm tempted to do likewise.

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likewise British  

/ ˈlaɪkˌwaɪz /

adverb

1. in addition; moreover; also

2. in like manner; similarly

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Usage

What does likewise mean? Likewise can mean also, in addition, moreover, similarly, or in the same way. Likewise can also be used to mean something like “me too” or “the same thing you just said.” When used this way, it’s typically used by itself as a one-word response to a statement. For example, if someone says, “It was nice you meet you,” you could simply reply, “Likewise!”Example: I think we work well together, and I hope you feel likewise.

Etymology

Origin of likewise

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; earlier in like wise “in a like way;” see like ¹, wise ²

Explanation

Likewise means "similarly." Your attempt to bypass security with a fake ID was unsuccessful, and your guise as a pizza deliverer was likewise ineffective. Likewise is an adverb with three different senses. One is "similarly." You were unimpressed with your brother's poetry, and likewise unimpressed with his taste in music. Likewise can also mean "in addition," and "equally." Your new t-shirts sold well at the beach boutique, and likewise they sold well on line. If you want to tell someone you feel the way he does, say, "I feel likewise."

Example Sentences

Likewise, given uncertainty about the technology behind AI, there’s no guarantee that today’s leaders will ultimately come out on top.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Likewise, the U.S. early in World War II stopped Japan from seaborne oil imports—targeting the very vulnerability Tokyo had sought to offset by trying to colonize its resource-rich Asian neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Likewise, perhaps you were approached and asked to buy jewellery from unknown people around the time of the murder.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Likewise, the camera observes Weinberg’s Tereza with a sensual tactility that I haven’t seen lavished on any actor over 70 who hasn’t spent her golden years at the plastic surgeon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Likewise with dice: the probability of rolling a 7 with a pair of dice is 1/6, the same as the conditional probability of rolling a 7 given that the three previous rolls have been 7s.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos