present participle
Saying that one thing is similar to another.
The report is likening the two plans to competing road maps.
Several critics are likening the singer’s voice to a violin.
Good to know
Use likening in the pattern likening A to B.
American English
How to pronounce likening
verb · nounC1
LAIkuhnihng
/ˈlaɪ.kə.nɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of liken
Likening is usually followed by to when it introduces the thing being compared.
Saying that one thing is similar to another.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund noun
The act of saying that one thing is similar to another.
The likening of the two leaders to chess players drew attention.
The likening of the city to a machine seemed exaggerated.