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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Tony Han, founder and CEO of autonomous driving technology company WeRide, likened the development of self-driving cars to the Wright brothers’ successful first flight of a powered aircraft. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025 Patel also likened the NBA to Wall Street. Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025 Officials have likened it to past expansions such as the creation of the West Wing and reconstruction of the Executive Mansion. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 Some have likened the controversy surrounding Savin's display of old-time mobsters to the debate swirling around old statues of Confederate generals. Tovia Smith, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025 Drinkwitz likened quarterback Diego Pavia to a magician. Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 Martin likened the conservative influence on the Pennsylvania judicial election to the influence of Tesla CEO Elon Musk pouring money behind conservative Judge Brad Schimel in Wisconsin, who lost his election in April. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2025 Hegseth likened the Colombian rebel group to the al Qaeda terror group founded by Usama bin Laden in Afghanistan. Greg Norman , Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Meyer likened the government’s deportation efforts to playing chess against an opponent who’s three steps ahead. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likened
Verb
  • Cangialosi compared his ability to see the whole field with that of former NFL coach John Madden, another broadcaster with a deep fear of flying.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, more women are living longer after menopause, which can increase the likelihood of developing ILC compared with other types of breast cancer.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Defense Priorities scholars argue that the cartels are being falsely equated with terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, and warn of mission creep without clear objectives or legal justification.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But another line of thinking argues that correlation should not be equated with causation.
    David W. Lawson, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Likened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likened. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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