likened

past tense of liken
1
as in compared
to describe as similar he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

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2
as in identified
to regard or represent as equal or comparable I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of likened Cameron likened the transformation to the Tin Man getting a heart in The Wizard of Oz. ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 Homidi likened the development of the new lash lacquer to a science project, calling mascara one of the toughest categories to enter but arguing the reward would be worth it. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 Price likened his attraction to the format to his early embrace of streaming entertainment back in the days when Hollywood remained skeptical of its staying power. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 Darline Graham likened her work ethic to her brother's, and credited their hardworking parents who ran a bar and liquor store in central South Carolina for modeling that ethic. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 Haam likened the closures to the period following the 2008 financial crisis. Payal Uttam, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 One American general likened the buildup to the transportation of an entire American city across 10,000 miles. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 24 Aug. 2026 Darwin likened plants’ sentient ability to brains of lower animals. Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026 Thousands of Gary's residents have since been left without power for weeks, in which some likened the situation to something apocalyptic. Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likened
Verb
  • Small modular reactors are tiny compared with the huge nuclear plants — such as those in Chernobyl and Fukushima — behind dangerous meltdown scares.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The specialized medical review helped investigators better establish when the fatal injuries occurred, which investigators compared with the evidence and statements collected throughout the investigation, the news release said.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Some visitors say paying respects at Yasukuni carries a spiritual meaning that should not be equated with endorsing war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • People like to knock Nolan’s screenwriting, which is often equated with dialogue.
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Likened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likened. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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