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

Throughout her decades-long career, the actor has mastered the art of making timeless pieces feel new again, whether that means digging through the archives or turning to tried-and-true items. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 July 2026

This summer, swap the tried-and-true classics for these up-and-coming Mediterranean gems instead. — Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

Luckily, there is a tried-and-true path in – targeting the enterprise first. — Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Popular with our readers since the 1940s, this tried-and-true hamburger recipe idea is perfect for potlucks or a family dinner. — Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 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