tried-and-true

adjective

ˈtrīd-ən(d)-ˈtrü 

: proved good, desirable, or feasible : shown or known to be worthy

a tried-and-true sales technique

Synonyms of tried-and-true

• reliable
• true
• good
• safe
• solid

Examples of tried-and-true in a Sentence

a tried-and-true friend who has always been there for me

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the 1950s, the Department of Agriculture has been warding off the screwworm with a tried-and-true strategy. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Birkenstocks are a tried-and-true East Coast staple, and this similar style is a wallet-friendly alternative to the popular footwear. —Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026

Wickstead has been a tried-and-true designer for the royal women, most often seen on Kate Middleton—Catherine, Princess of Wales for her public engagements. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 June 2026

Saturday Morning Staples These were some of the tried-and-true go-to shows that made a generation of kids smile on a weekend morning. —Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tried-and-true

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

tried-and-true

adjective

: known to be reliable

a tried-and-true friend

a tried-and-true remedy