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 At Participant, Williams was responsible for a large portfolio including sales, distribution and acquisitions across movies and series. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 The powerful and rich are not exempt from being held responsible for their actions. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 Rather, CFOs are increasingly looked to as growth drivers, responsible for accelerating the top line while protecting the bottom line. Adi Ignatius, Harvard Business Review, 17 Oct. 2025 The Integris Health case, for example, resulted in a $30 million payout to more than two million patients impacted by both the data breach and later extortion from the cybercriminal responsible. Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for responsible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsible
Adjective
  • However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
  • On one extreme is Missouri, where, following an August 2023 decision from the state’s Supreme Court, parents of children with poor attendance records are now liable for jail time.
    Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But one reliable occupant, Spirit Halloween, has called it home for years.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Even with a tracker, a traditional collar remains a reliable option.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The release noted terrain in the area can be rugged and steep and cautioned visitors to stay a safe distance from the edge.
    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The same is true of modern warfare.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Mathis has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks alongside teammate and fellow true freshman Sidney Stewart.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With rising tuition, heavy student debt, and a shaky job market, more young workers are rethinking the four-year degree and turning to faster and cheaper routes to a steady career.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Today, her steady hand, institutional knowledge and loyalty continue to guide the Tennessean and inspire her colleagues.
    Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on responsible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!