Synonyms of responsible

responsible

adjective

ri-ˈspän(t)-sə-bəl 

1

as in liable

being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so

the state laws hold pet owners responsible for any damage or injury done by improperly restrained animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liable
• accountable
• answerable
• amenable
• indebted
• obligated
• beholden
• obliged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• irresponsible
• unaccountable
• exempt
• immune
• nonaccountable

2

as in reliable

worthy of one's trust

our regular babysitter is very responsible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reliable
• safe
• true
• good
• steady
• trustworthy
• dependable
• loyal
• secure
• solid
• sure
• devoted
• calculable
• tried
• trusty
• trustable
• strong
• faithful
• constant
• steadfast
• honest
• effective
• sincere
• tried-and-true
• staunch
• fast
• proven
• infallible
• valid
• confirmed
• sound
• blameless
• telling
• unerring
• validated
• single-minded
• firm
• guiltless
• true-blue
• faultless
• impeccable
• irreproachable
• unquestionable
• authenticated
• unimpeachable
• verified
• attested
• inerrant
• bedrock

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsafe
• uncertain
• unreliable
• untrustworthy
• false
• unfaithful
• disloyal
• treacherous
• untrue
• undependable
• traitorous
• dishonest
• faithless
• perfidious
• lying
• questionable
• fickle
• uncertain
• problematic
• deceitful
• inconstant
• doubtful
• suspect
• hazardous
• dodgy
• dubious
• untruthful
• risky
• mendacious
• debatable
• shaky
• unsound
• shady
• disputable
• recreant
• fishy
• unconfirmed
• untried
• doubtable

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective responsible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of responsible are accountable, amenable, answerable, and liable. While all these words mean "subject to being held to account," responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust.

the bureau responsible for revenue collection

When could accountable be used to replace responsible?

The words accountable and responsible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accountable suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation.

elected officials are accountable to the voters

How do amenable and liable relate to one another, in the sense of responsible?

Both amenable and liable stress the fact of subjection to review, censure, or control by a designated authority under certain conditions.

laws are amenable to judicial review

not liable for the debts of the former spouse

When is it sensible to use answerable instead of responsible?

The synonyms answerable and responsible are sometimes interchangeable, but answerable suggests a relation between one having a moral or legal obligation and a court or other authority charged with oversight of its observance.

an intelligence agency answerable to Congress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of responsible

But investigations by media outlets found evidence that nearby Israeli tanks were responsible, with the death of Rajab becoming one of the most high-profile incidents in the early months of the war in Gaza, prompting outrage around the world. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Unlike a cosigned loan, where both the student and cosigner are responsible for payment, parent loans are the full responsibility of the student's parent or other adult sponsor. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

That, perhaps, the very qualities that create instability are also responsible for innovation, creativity, and success. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026

Attorney Lauren Newton, of Tin Fulton Walker and Owen, PLLC, argues the city knew its transit system wasn’t safe and was responsible for trying to change that through security measures and fare enforcement. — Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026