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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
  • Beyond simply offering a competent and reliable service, however, Lazarus knew that the repair process needed to be streamlined with a client-centric approach from start to finish.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 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
  • Here’s what California drivers should know to stay safe, save money and avoid a breakdown this summer.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be open to what needs to be dismantled in order to build something stronger and more aligned with your true path in the future.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Country singer Gavin Adcock proved that to still be true by slamming the March 2024 LP, which is charting ahead of his forthcoming effort, Own Worst Enemy, during a rant at his recent concert.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • By constantly rethinking how the world functions and how best to protect the natural environment, Lombard Odier IM has positioned itself as a guide for achieving long-term, sustainable growth.
    Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Within that world, the film will follow other characters, including a younger player struggling to juggle soccer and her day job, and Shirley’s rival, the daughter of a famous player trying her best to reconcile her feelings for a teammate.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Oil prices have risen since Israel began attacking Iran, but supplies have remained steady.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 22 June 2025
  • Shrinking population will cripple home demand by 0.5 million units every year in the 2020s and a lead to a bigger dent of 1.4 million units annually in the 2030s, Goldman Sachs estimates, compared to the positive contribution of 1.5 million units in the 2010s when population was on a steady rise.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on responsible

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