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Synonyms

dependable

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

adjective

  1. An image of the word dependable as defined by capable of being depended on; worthy of trust; reliable.

    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.

See Examples For:

Ben White and Jurrien Timber have been Arsenal's first choice right-backs this season and are dependable top-level options.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

However, the same strategy becomes less dependable when the two points are close together.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026

Hachimura developed into one of the Lakers’ most dependable shooters.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 24, 2026

PepsiCo PEP 2.42%increase; up pointing triangle used to embody everything investors prized in a stock: dependable brands, reliable earnings growth and steady returns.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

Another third of the team would be boys who were for the most part dependable, even if they had a few problems at school or with other kids.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

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