dependable

adjective

de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl How to pronounce dependable (audio)
Synonyms of dependablenext
: capable of being trusted or depended on : reliable
a dependable source of income
a dependable assistant
needs a dependable car for work
dependability noun
dependableness noun
dependably adverb

Examples of dependable in a Sentence

seeking a dependable person to look after their summer home in the off-season
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the process, the third-year center has become a dependable option off the bench for Kerr, who asserted that limiting Jackson-Davis’ minutes is actually the key to unlocking his potential. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025 Perfect for long-haul flights where changing clothes is a full operation, these are a discreet, dependable travel essential that makes your journey infinitely less stressful. Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025 Liberal states tend to be more stable and dependable partners, better able to convey credible information and keep commitments. Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Health care, a dependable source of job growth in recent years, again drove payroll gains with 46,000. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependable

Word History

Etymology

depend + -able

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependable was in 1735

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependable. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

dependable

adjective
de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl How to pronounce dependable (audio)
: capable of being depended on : trustworthy, reliable
a dependable car
dependability noun
dependably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on dependable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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