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 But this is a dumb middle ground in which Colter Shaw is neither likable nor interestingly unlikable in his pursuit. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2024 Ultimately, they are perceived as more likable than their peers who ask fewer questions. Micah Logan, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Though Peter Salovey, Yale’s retiring president, is infinitely more likable and scholarly than the no-longer-president Claudine Gay, and Yale’s temperament is less imperious and smug than Harvard’s, both places are in a crisis. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 8 Feb. 2024 He is regarded as a likable man who is extremely loyal to Papia. Mary Zahn and Bill Janz, Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024 But a player’s likability can affect how others perceive these inconveniences, and Ohtani is said to be extremely likable. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Justin Hartley makes for a likable lead as Colter Shaw, a dreamy outdoors loner freelancing his survivalist instinct services to two endearing dog-loving bosses and couple (Robin Weigert and Abby McEnany). Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024 As usual, Aniston and Sandler are immensely likable, blundering amiably through a choice selection of mystery clichés. Danny Horn, EW.com, 4 Jan. 2024 But beyond likable/unlikable or good/bad dichotomies, the characters who stay with me most are mysterious, un-pin-downable from moment to moment. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2023

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 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

likable

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