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
ˌlī-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce likable (audio)
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.
For much of the baggy running time, Spider-Man is less of a likable urban superhero and more a friendly neighborhood bystander. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Holland’s jittery, earnest, winsome take on the iconic 64-year-old comic iconic was instantly likable, radiating teen-geek charisma. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026 His film is likable as heck but never quite achieves liftoff. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 The new trailer firmly establishes our protagonist, Bryan, as a likable everyman working as a medical delivery driver to bring transplant organs to hospitals. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 July 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

Rhymes for likable

See All Rhymes for likable

Browse Nearby Words

likability
likable
Likasi
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likable. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

likable

adjective
lik·​able
variants or likeable
ˈlī-kə-bəl How to pronounce likable (audio)
: easily liked
likableness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on likable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for likable

Nglish: Translation of likable for Spanish Speakers

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