likable

adjective

lik·​able ˈlī-kə-bəl How to pronounce likable (audio)
variants or likeable
Synonyms of likablenext
: having qualities that bring about a favorable regard : pleasant, agreeable
the most likable character in the play
likability noun
likableness noun

Examples of likable in a Sentence

Detective Grant is the most likeable character in the novel. She seems like a friendly, likable young woman.
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.
The real payoff is in watching Jackie, along with the actress playing her, slowly molt out of brand protection mode, and the always likable Goldstein is content to accept his role as a mere agent of that change. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 June 2026 Regardless of gender, those who apologize more frequently are seen as caring, communal, warm and likable people, according to Schumann. Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 2 June 2026 Chapin, the mechanic on the Shawmut crew, was a wiry 6-footer with a winking sense of humor and a penchant for machine-shop patter peppered with gleeful profanity, a likable 26-year-old who’d been a reliable factory hand and test driver before the fire. Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026 Steve Guttenberg To many, Steve Guttenberg will always be known as Police Academy’s Carey Mahoney, a rebellious but likable small-time crook who gets nudged into joining the force. Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for likable

Word History

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of likable was in 1730

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likable. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

likable

adjective
lik·​able
variants or likeable
: easily liked
likableness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on likable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster