likable

adjective

lik·​able ˈlī-kə-bəl How to pronounce likable (audio)
variants or likeable
: 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.
Meanwhile, the anchors of the unwatched NBC and ABC nightly newscasts have been replaced by even less likable newsreaders. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 June 2025 But for once, Brit showed up with some grace—emotionally intelligent, measured, even… likable? Shelby Stewart, Essence, 15 June 2025 On the island of Berk, Hiccup (Mason Thames) is an awkward but likable kid who’s not the most rough-and-tough Viking of all time, much to the chagrin of his gruff dad Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role). Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 June 2025 That, plus the lead performer, Ben Wang as Li Fong, is extremely likable. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 28 May 2025 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 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

likable

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

More from Merriam-Webster on likable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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