likeness

American  

[lahyk-nis] / ˈlaɪk nɪs /

noun

1. a representation, picture, or image, especially a portrait.

   to draw a good likeness of Churchill.

2. the state or fact of being like.

   I can't get over your likeness to my friend.

   Synonyms:

   similitude, resemblance

3. the semblance or appearance of something; guise.

   to assume the likeness of a swan.

   Synonyms:

   form, shape

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likeness British  

/ ˈlaɪknɪs /

noun

1. the condition of being alike; similarity

2. a painted, carved, moulded, or graphic image of a person or thing

3. an imitative appearance; semblance

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Etymology

Origin of likeness

before 950; Middle English liknesse, Old English līcnes, variant of gelīcnes. See alike, -ness

Example Sentences

Swift received permission from the estate of Taylor, who died in 2011 at the age of 73, to release the song and to use her likeness in the music video.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The push goes beyond paper currency: federal officials have also approved a commemorative gold coin bearing Trump’s likeness, while proposals for a $1 coin featuring the president have raised legal and ethical questions.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

The app’s remix feature allowed users to superimpose the likeness of their friends or celebrities into existing AI-generated video or create brand new ones.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Sir Keir Starmer may have had a tough year in office, but in one key measure he is top of the shop: the Toby Jug in his likeness outsold all other prime ministers in 2025.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

It speeds my pulse and terrifies me, and I look at the painting of Tariq, and it's such a good likeness that I feel as if I'm really looking at him.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Related Words

• depiction
• effigy
• facsimile
• image
• photograph
• portrait
• replica
• reproduction