liken

verb

lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlī-kə-niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)
ˈlīk-niŋ

transitive verb

: to represent as similar : compare

Examples of liken in a Sentence

he generally likened a root canal to some horrible form of torture I think that we can liken the two pianists, at least in terms of natural talent.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Two former sales leaders involved in the effort likened it to a drug dealer hooking a user with free samples. Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024 Irving likened it to self-play, which has helped AI systems improve their strategies in games like chess and Go. Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 Achieving a perfect score became the ultimate symbol of an LGBTQ-friendly workplace, and the group wielded it aggressively — so much so that some corporate advisers likened it to an activist hedge fund. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 In his interview with Variety, Law added that author J.K. Rowling had shared with him a complete arc for his character, giving him many notes and explaining how Dumbledore likened himself to a monster. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for liken 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liken was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near liken

Cite this Entry

“Liken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liken. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

liken

verb
lik·​en ˈlī-kən How to pronounce liken (audio)
likened; likening ˈlīk-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liken (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on liken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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