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Synonyms

dependable

American  
[dih-pen-duh-buhl] / dɪˈpɛn də bəl /

adjective

  1. capable of being depended on; worthy of trust; reliable.

    a dependable employee.

    Synonyms:
    responsible, faithful, steadfast, trusty, trustworthy

dependable British  
/ dɪˈpɛndəbəl /

adjective

  1. able to be depended on; reliable; trustworthy

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of dependable

First recorded in 1725–35; depend + -able

Compare meaning

How does dependable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Explanation

Dependable means "reliable, steady, trustworthy." If people can always count on you, that means you are dependable. The adjective dependable can also mean consistent in performance or behavior, like a dependable car that always starts and rarely needs service or a dependable actor who always does a great job, regardless of the role. Dependable can also be used to describe something that is financially sound, like an investment that brings profit with little risk.

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Vocabulary lists containing dependable

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.

Dependable support came from Foakes, who was just moving through the gears by taking 16 - including a six - off a Ravichandran Ashwin over when he clipped Mohammad Siraj to short mid-wicket.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2024

A colleague told me later that the thought the anger was unusual coming from me, as I was typically a polite Mr. Dependable around the copy desk.

From Salon • May 27, 2023

Dependable security data doesn’t exist yet because there have been fewer eyes on the network lately, Cummins said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 19, 2023

Klopp is looking to shore things up and hang on to this 2-1 lead with Liverpool’s Mr Dependable.

From The Guardian • Jan. 23, 2022

Dependable employment at fair wages is just as important to the people in the towns and cities as good farm income is to agriculture.

From The Fireside Chats of Franklin Delano Roosevelt by Roosevelt, Franklin Delano

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