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 Its dramatis personae includes that paragon of English manhood, Ben Avery, the likable scoundrel Colonel Blood and, not least, Sheba, the ultrasexy pirate queen who, anachronistically, favors Gucci thigh-high boots. Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023 By the same token, however, this likable first-person documentary seems almost too apolitically innocuous for this fraught moment in time. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Nov. 2023 The bad guys in the movie are also some of the most likable and affable guys. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Oct. 2023 Stories of life among the beautiful people can be tiresome, but Chow emerges as a likable, surprisingly relatable character. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2023 Alden so often plays fun, likable guys, and Phoebe is best known for playing this paragon of chastity on Bridgerton. Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2023 James-Kelly is a likable point-of-entry figure for the series, never playing Rachel’s cluelessness for cheap laughs. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2023 As a likable and ambitious – perhaps intense – performer, Meguro is increasingly adding film and TV roles as part of a parallel, solo career alongside his Snowman activities. Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 Oct. 2023 Tim Scott Poll after poll has found Scott to be the most likable candidate in the field. James Pindell, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'likable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of likable was in 1730

Dictionary Entries Near likable

Cite this Entry

“Likable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likable. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

likable

adjective
lik·​able
variants or likeable
: easily liked
likableness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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