godlike

American  

[god-lahyk] / ˈgɒdˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. like or befitting God or a god; divine.

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godlike British  

/ ˈɡɒdˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. resembling or befitting a god or God; divine

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Other Word Forms

• godlikeness noun
• ungodlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of godlike

First recorded in 1505–15; god + -like

Explanation

Someone who's godlike is so wonderful, beautiful, or good that they resemble a god. To very young children, many adults seem godlike simply because they are large and powerful. A devout religious figure might seem godlike to many of his followers — in other words, he seems more like a god than a fallible, mortal human being. The qualities of such a person, or those of a magical or mystical character, are also godlike: "Her godlike ability to become invisible came in handy when she was fighting the bad guys." The word comes from the Old English godlic, or "divine."

Example Sentences

For many in Silicon Valley, that might mean AI will develop a consciousness of its own, become a godlike power—and replace human labor altogether.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

The great and powerful Oz, though, is precisely as powerful as our willingness to suspend disbelief that something that sits by design in front of a curtain is perfect, godlike, and omnipotent.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

They called for ending “this godlike power” for all presidents to come.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2024

They give birth.They have the most godlike of abilities, that of creating a human life seemingly from nothing.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2024

I coasted off the road and pulled to within fifty feet of the godlike thing, so close that I had to throw back my head and raise my eyes to vertical to see its branches.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck