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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 Zero Griffith was responsible for the brand direction behind the campaign. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025 The man responsible for the shooting deaths of seven people at a July 4th parade near Chicago in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Thursday. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025 At the time of his death, cops theorized the killers thought Blackman was an informant responsible for Vernace’s arrest for the April 11, 1981, murders of bar owners Richard Godkin and John D’Agnese over a spilled drink. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025 The new board will be responsible for the day to day management of Apex and will be key in setting the company’s agenda for future and long term growth. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for responsible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsible
Adjective
  • These rules establish that an executor who makes distributions from the estate before satisfying estate tax liability may become personally liable for the unpaid estate tax.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D., Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Spacey has denied any allegations of improper or criminal behavior and in 2022, he was found not liable for battery against actor Anthony Rapp. CNN has reached out to representatives for Spacey and Netflix for comment about the new video.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Men’s Pathfinder Rechargeable LED Cap $45 $35 at L.L. Bean Stay prepared on the trail with this rugged lighted ball cap, built for hikers and campers who need reliable, hands-free lighting.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The only solution with the current state of the Dodgers is a blockbuster trade for a reliable pitcher to bolster their rotation.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • However, staying safe requires a combination of tools and personal vigilance.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
  • Nothing is guaranteed, but entering the league with a (relatively) safe job is much better than fighting for a place at the bottom of the roster.
    Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But against the Cavaliers, against the length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Ware stands essential, on a Heat roster that lacks a true backup center.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars are steady at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been a place that has been steady through all the change our family has been through the past 10 years.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on responsible

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