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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 In many states, like Texas, the state legislature is responsible for drawing congressional districts, subject to the approval or veto of the governor. David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025 At the top of the food chain are the chef de cuisine and sous-chef, followed by the chefs de partie, who are responsible for specific stations (sauces, seafood, cold dishes and so on), junior cooks or commis and trainees. Vivian Song, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025 The federal employees were responsible for allocating money to state agencies to provide to those struggling to pay electric bills. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025 Because of its effects on the ciliary muscle responsible for focusing, a user’s sight may dim slightly while distant objects become blurry. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for responsible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsible
Adjective
  • As a result, teams found violating the rule are liable to receive a penalty.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
  • After a three-week trial, a Miami jury on Friday found Tesla partially liable for a fatal 2019 accident involving its Autopilot driver-assistance feature, awarding the family of the deceased and an injured party a total of $329 million in damages.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Each day, Lamb showed up with multiple catches and proved to be the reliable target he’s been through five seasons.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
  • That reliable iron lump brings the 5,000-pound car to 60 mph from a standstill in about 10 seconds, not so brisk a pace as to blow off a bad hairpiece.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, many home buyers and homeowners are prioritizing one story living or first floor bedrooms and three-quarter bathrooms, barrier free showers, smart home features and other home elements that make living easier and safer.
    Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • This advisory is in effect until Friday at 8 p.m. Ways to stay safe in the heat according to the NWS Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And that’s both true in the Polo world and in the luxury space of Collection and Purple Label.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The Gilded Age has been a true word-of-mouth phenomenon.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But in general, if your heart age is younger than your actual age—or, just a couple years older—that’s a good sign, Khan said.
    Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Warmer times are best for training a puppy, as much more time can be spent outside.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With clean, steady gymnastics, Wong’s beam routines can contend.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Sony Music delivered steady top-line and bottom-line expansion in Q1.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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