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.
Slater and Thomas are both likable, too often a rare quality among young adult protagonists, and Mann and Frank mostly give them good choices to make. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Catherine and Alice are such complicated figures that the word likable seems irrelevant to them. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026 Helping the cops is an affable coroner played by Ralph Macchio, whose ever-likable presence should help with the film’s streaming numbers. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 Tacarra Williams is one of the most genuinely likable comedians out right now. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Likable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likable. Accessed 4 Sep. 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

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