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

As much as 58 inches of snow fell in some regions, and strong winds up to 80 mph were responsible for large snow drifts -- many over 50 feet tall. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Aysnc, the organization responsible for opening the gateway to the Backrooms, was seen at the end of the movie when Mary escapes and ends up speaking with Async researcher Phil (Mark Duplass) in a private room. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 3 July 2026

Lawson said her pool maintenance company dropped her as a client, citing worries that they'd be held responsible if a guest had a bad reaction to pool chemicals. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 3 July 2026

The agencies responsible for securing Washington prepare and regularly practice for a range of scenarios. — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026