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a responsible adult
a dependable adult
a reliable adult
a trustworthy adult
an accountable adult
responsible decisions
careful decisions
mature decisions
appropriate decisions
thoughtful decisions
proactive decisions
a responsible government
a capable government
a competent government
a vigilant government
a prudent government
a resourceful government
responsible behavior
reliable behavior
righteous behavior
dependable behavior
mature behavior
accountable behavior

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of responsible It should be noted that FedEx was ultimately responsible for the successful distribution of roughly half of all COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Marc Benioff, Time, 24 June 2025 Boozman’s committee was responsible for drafting legislation affecting nutrition assistance and agriculture programs. Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 June 2025 Whoever has possession of the bag is responsible for supplying snacks, essentials and anything else a teammate might need in the bullpen. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025 However, some data suggests magnesium influences several pathways in your body that are responsible for lowering circulating volume (the total amount of blood within the circulatory system). Laura Schober, Health, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for responsible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsible
Adjective
  • The lender can seize only the real property and no other assets and the estate isn’t liable for any shortfall.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • No-fault car insurance means a driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical expenses and certain other losses after an accident, regardless of who is held liable.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • As such, trees grown from seed provide a reliable and affordable (free) option for backyard growers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Congress created the Federal Communications Commission 90 years ago—to regulate and ensure reliable and affordable telecommunications services throughout the country.
    NPR Washington Desk, NPR, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, knowing her son will be safe gives her peace of mind.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025
  • The advisory is in effect until 11 p.m. Recommendations from the NWS for staying safe during a flood For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • What’s the difference between something being emotionally true and factually true, and what should be valued more?
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • In true underworld fashion, García tried to shield himself from the fallout.
    Gina Montaner, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Charlotte Hornets, Tre Johnson, guard, Texas: A bigger scoring guard who is good with the ball in his hands and also can play catch-and-shoot.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
  • Our home’s ventilation is only as good as the air vents and ducts are clean.
    Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Qualified users should understand that legal medical use does not override employer policy or federal restrictions, and employers should be prepared to stand behind the decisions those policies produce. Parting Thoughts HB 46 continues Texas’ slow but steady march toward broader cannabis access.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The Federal Reserve on June 18 held interest rates steady at a range between 4.25% and 4.5% for a fourth straight meeting despite Trump's public lobbying for a lower rate and his insults directed at Powell.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on responsible

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