LIKENING Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

likening 1 of 2

noun

as in comparison

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Dissimilar Words

likening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of liken

as in comparing

to describe as similar he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

contrasting

as in equating

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 likening

Verb

Marques Brownlee took issue with Haapoja likening generative AI to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (an iconic DSLR known for making shooting in 1080p full HD more affordable for independent filmmakers). — Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 21 Aug. 2026 His bravado in attacking opponents’ campaign donors has earned him the moniker Meek Mill, likening his attacks to the rapper’s’ spitfire energy fueled from his time as a battle rapper. — Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026 Prediction market platforms and their proponents say trading contracts on the markets is not the same as betting, likening it instead to trading on the stock market. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Gone is a hadith likening Christians and Jews to maimed animals; 11th-grade students now learn about coexistence from the Prophet Muhammad’s treaties with Christians and Jews. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The article highlights the immense challenge of monitoring and universally regulating AI's speed, likening it to nuclear agreements needing verification. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Mike Flanagan teases his approach to The Mist, likening it to his Carrie TV series. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 The church leader in charge of translating and distributing biblical literature around the world made an impassioned call for funds, likening the texts to life-giving rain. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Amazon shoppers are enamored with Allswifit’s cushy, highly supportive walking and running shoes, even likening them to Hoka sneakers. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for likening

Noun

The CameraJet came out on top on every metric—but the comparison seems a bit like putting a mortar and pestle up against a VitaMix.

— Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
The obvious comparison with Anthony Gordon has been made by pundits and there are parallels with the adaptable forward Newcastle sold to Barcelona in May for up to €80million.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of comparison

Verb

But the only clinical trial data that Dyson has been able to provide to Allure is a four-week study of 60 subjects, comparing the results of a manual toothbrush and a CameraJet.

— Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
By comparing these to oxygen-proton collisions from the same run as a control, the researchers concluded that there was jet quenching or parton energy loss in these collisions.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of comparing

Noun

Asante draws a manufacturing analogy—with some exaggeration—arguing that previous nuclear power plants were built bespoke, akin to constructing an entire factory to produce a single car.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
To run with Carney’s analogy, middle powers prepare an excellent menu of innovations and talent, and then place it on the table for superpowers to devour.

— Wal van Lierop, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of analogy

Verb

The study’s authors are careful to frame Qurayyah Painted Ware as an example of ancient brand-making, rather than directly equating it with a modern multinational brand.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Others on Wall Street, however, see higher levels of risk, equating Meta's case to Big Tobacco in the 1990s when tobacco companies had to pay billions for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of equating

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likenesses

likening

likens

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“Likening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likening. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of likening

noun

verb

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