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 Martin’s character, Robert, who is gunning for conservatorship over Norma, may be the most likable. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024 Robert is the most likable of a predictable lot and Martin’s adorable in the part. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 But charming and extremely likable Giamatti is an exception. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2024 The only Black correspondent at a right-wing news network (imagine Candace Owens but likable), Kimberlyn (Christina Elmore) is too busy angling for advancement to plan her wedding. TIME, 14 Mar. 2024 Employers want to hire people who are happy, upbeat, likable and motivated, in addition to possessing the requisite skills and experience to succeed in the role. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Hatch described Atak as coachable, likable, kind and humble. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2024 But the cast, while extremely likable, were not super propulsive. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2023 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

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 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

likable

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