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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.

The company’s website boasts that its product has been “reviewed as the proven, most reliable and most accurate AI detection tool in the market by third parties including University of Maryland.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

A hard-boiled egg is something else entirely: firm, portable, reliable, tucked into lunchboxes or sliced over a salad.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

If anything, that underscores the crypto’s one reliable trait—its remarkable staying power despite all the naysayers.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Fast, reliable wireless connections are essential in everyday life.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Laney was not known for being a reliable interpreter of conversations.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser