reliable

adjective

ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce reliable (audio)
Definition of reliablenext
as in responsible
worthy of one's trust I need a reliable car that's not going to break down constantly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 reliable Bullying, exclusion and rejection can take a real emotional toll, especially when teens struggle to form reliable friendships. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Bullying, exclusion and rejection can take a real emotional toll, especially when a teen is struggling to build reliable friendships. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 The only means of finding a reliable fixer was word of mouth. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 While guys such as Will Smith and Chris Stratton were key during the 2024 playoff run, the Royals have struggled to hit on reliable veteran help. — Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reliable
  1. responsible
  2. safe
  3. true
  4. good
  5. steady
  6. dependable
  7. solid
  8. trustworthy
Adjective
  • Lured in by such shiny baubles, the responsible critic should avoid making premature, weepingly sincere pronouncements.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The researchers posit that GLP-1s could make people more responsible decision-makers through a simple injection, a habit that might otherwise take years to cultivate on their own, Platt said.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of responsible
Adjective
  • Budgets have tightened and commissioners have retreated to the familiar — backing low-cost dramas and safe-bet crime formats.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • That means creating small, deliberate spaces where people feel safe enough to say what is actually happening.
    — Ryoji Sekido, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of safe
Adjective
  • From its opening moments, Zoe Kazan’s epic, sprawling Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, East of Eden, announces that the monstrous Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) is the true center of the story.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The true subject of the movie is the power of law, and the erosion of law.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Even if Chili’s dismissal is unrelated, an ex-employee is a good place to start.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, Toho posted its best-ever results at the Japanese box office.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of good
Adjective
  • With each new season, the series has expanded its audience base across both broadcast and streaming platforms, and this popularity has also translated into steady DVD sales.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Optimism among managers and above held steady at 59%, and 80% reported positive financial returns from AI, though only 28% called those returns strongly positive.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of steady
Adjective
  • Of course, when presented with an overwhelming number of options, most of us end up seeking comfort in dependable outfit formulas instead of taking risks.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Its advice to brands is to balance dependable colors with unexpected pairings, giving texture and material choice a larger role in product development.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of dependable
Adjective
  • Kansas City is investigating how one of its solid waste trucks struck a bicyclist over the weekend, leaving the rider with life-threatening injuries.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Packers themselves have been solid as a team offensively, but notably rank dead last in the league in rushing yards.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of solid
Adjective
  • Building stronger, more trustworthy institutions will boost growth and make the country a better partner.
    — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026
  • There are these mental gymnastics that people have to do to figure out what is really a trustworthy recommendation these days.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of trustworthy

Browse Nearby Words

reliability
reliable
reliableness
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Cite this Entry

“Reliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reliable. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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