'anoplotheriid-like' originates from modern English, formed by combining the taxonomic name 'Anoplotheriidae' with the English suffix '-like', where '-like' meant 'having the form or characteristics of'.

'Anoplotheriidae' derives from the genus name 'Anoplotherium' (New Latin/taxonomic usage). 'Anoplotherium' itself comes from Greek elements 'anōplos' (ἀνόπλος) meaning 'unarmed' and 'thērion' (θηρίον) meaning 'beast', and the family name was adapted in scientific Latin before being used in modern English compounds.

Initially it meant 'having the qualities of an Anoplotheriidae member (literally like that extinct beast)'; over time it has come to be used descriptively to indicate resemblance to or characteristics of that extinct family in fossil descriptions and comparative anatomy.