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a responsible adult
a dependable adult
a reliable adult
a trustworthy adult
an accountable adult
responsible decisions
careful decisions
mature decisions
appropriate decisions
thoughtful decisions
proactive decisions
a responsible government
a capable government
a competent government
a vigilant government
a prudent government
a resourceful government
responsible behavior
reliable behavior
righteous behavior
dependable behavior
mature behavior
accountable behavior

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 The association will be responsible for all costs, according to the agreement. Idaho Statesman, 6 July 2025 With wind resistance responsible for draining 75 per cent of a rider’s power on flat stages, and up to 90 per cent in a time trial, the impact can be massive. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 5 July 2025 States would be responsible for them, and—miracle of miracles—state and federal agencies actually agreed on how to manage grizzlies after ESA protections end. Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025 And tourists can also be responsible for the close calls, who rent e-bikes and scooters to joy ride around unfamiliar cities, leading to potential accidents. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for responsible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsible
Adjective
  • The lender can seize only the real property and no other assets and the estate isn’t liable for any shortfall.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • No-fault car insurance means a driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical expenses and certain other losses after an accident, regardless of who is held liable.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • As such, trees grown from seed provide a reliable and affordable (free) option for backyard growers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • People will see you as reliable and realistic yet open to imaginative ideas.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, knowing her son will be safe gives her peace of mind.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025
  • Here’s what California drivers should know to stay safe, save money and avoid a breakdown this summer.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be open to what needs to be dismantled in order to build something stronger and more aligned with your true path in the future.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Country singer Gavin Adcock proved that to still be true by slamming the March 2024 LP, which is charting ahead of his forthcoming effort, Own Worst Enemy, during a rant at his recent concert.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 10.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
  • But maybe, in an odd way, the timing is good, given the looming July 31 trade deadline.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Qualified users should understand that legal medical use does not override employer policy or federal restrictions, and employers should be prepared to stand behind the decisions those policies produce. Parting Thoughts HB 46 continues Texas’ slow but steady march toward broader cannabis access.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The Federal Reserve on June 18 held interest rates steady at a range between 4.25% and 4.5% for a fourth straight meeting despite Trump's public lobbying for a lower rate and his insults directed at Powell.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on responsible

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