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Synonyms

reliable

American  
[ri-lahy-uh-buhl] / rɪˈlaɪ ə bəl /

adjective

  1. that may be relied on or trusted; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty, etc..

    reliable information.

    Synonyms:
    consistent, authentic, trusty
    Antonyms:
    deceitful, questionable, undependable

reliable British  
/ rɪˈlaɪəbəl /

adjective

  1. able to be trusted; predictable or dependable

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

Reliable, infallible, trustworthy apply to persons, objects, ideas, or information that can be depended upon with confident certainty. Reliable suggests consistent dependability of judgment, character, performance, or result: a reliable formula, judge, car, meteorologist. Infallible suggests the complete absence of error, breakdown, or poor performance: an infallible test, system, marksman. Trustworthy emphasizes the steady and honest dependability which encourages one's confidence, belief, or trust: trustworthy and accurate reports.

Other Word Forms

  • nonreliable adjective
  • nonreliableness noun
  • nonreliably adverb
  • quasi-reliable adjective
  • quasi-reliably adverb
  • reliability noun
  • reliableness noun
  • reliably adverb
  • ultrareliable adjective
  • ultrareliablely adverb

Etymology

Origin of reliable

First recorded in 1560–70; rely + -able

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Due to Hubble's age, it can no longer collect reliable data of the system," Wang said.

From Science Daily

Economic grievances are in the forefront amid 42% inflation, a currency that has lost 40% of its value against the dollar since the June war, and even a lack of water and reliable energy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cutbacks in venture capital and government funding are leaving labs empty and graduates struggling to find jobs, threatening a once reliable path to a high-paying career.

From The Wall Street Journal

He’s either being disingenuous in Ms. Zenovich’s interview, or is beyond the point of being a reliable source on his own life story.

From The Wall Street Journal

The most reliable route out of poverty is finding a job—any job—and keeping it.

From The Wall Street Journal