Synonyms of accountable

accountable

adjective

ə-ˈkau̇n-tə-bəl 

as in responsible

being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so

the owner was held accountable for his dog's biting of the child

Synonyms & Similar Words

• responsible
• liable
• answerable
• amenable
• indebted
• obligated
• beholden
• obliged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• irresponsible
• unaccountable
• exempt
• immune
• nonaccountable

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective accountable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of accountable are amenable, answerable, liable, and responsible. While all these words mean "subject to being held to account," 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 accountable?

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 answerable a more appropriate choice than accountable?

While in some cases nearly identical to accountable, 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

When would responsible be a good substitute for accountable?

The words responsible and accountable can be used in similar contexts, but responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust.

the bureau responsible for revenue collection

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of accountable

The energy bill package aims to hold data centers accountable for their impact on the state's electric grid by requiring them to pay for their own energy infrastructure upgrades. —Tara Lynch, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

And so, although accountability may sometimes arrive late, the music is nevertheless part of the inspiration that ultimately pushes a society to reject and hold the regime accountable — to move towards transitional justice. —Christina Hioureas, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2026

The Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) that allows two challenges per team — losing them only when incorrect — at least holds the plate umpire accountable when his eyes deceive him. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

This is about handing power to a few massive corporations at the expense of local voices—the very voices that hold power accountable. —Noe Padilla, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026