lovable

adjective

lov·​able ˈlə-və-bəl 

variants or less commonly loveable

: having qualities that attract affection

… the hero's lovable sidekick …

—Terrence Rafferty

he's the gruff but lovable grandpa

—John Garrity

lovability

ˌlə-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

lovableness noun

lovably

ˈlə-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of lovable

• adorable
• dear
• sweet
• loved

Examples of lovable in a Sentence

He has a bad temper, but he's still lovable.

she was a lovable child, always helpful and kind

Recent Examples on the Web

What really sets Black Doves apart, though, are its lovable characters and its beguiling mix of laughs and tears, which flirt with existential despair without ever fully tipping into it. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

The story still pivots around Morgan’s lovable doofus, but the emphasis is elsewhere. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026

Her take on the lovable Patrick Star came complete with tall black boots and fishnets in a nod to a scene from the end of 2004’s The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

The Cubs’ reputation as lovable losers was well-earned after 37 years without a National League pennant and 74 years removed from their last World Series title. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lovable

• loveable
• unlovable

Kids Definition

lovable

adjective

lov·​able

variants also loveable

ˈləv-ə-bəl 

: having qualities that tend to make one loved

lovableness noun

lovably

-blē 

adverb