reliable
Americanadjective
adjective
Synonym Usage
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
Etymology
Origin of reliable
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How does reliable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Calling something reliable means you can count on it to come through when you need it; it's dependable. If you're headed out for an around-the-world sailing trip, hopefully your lifejacket is reliable. You can certainly rely on something reliable because it's trustworthy and responsible. Reliable people usually show up on time, never flake out, and always tell the truth. A reliable car isn't likely to break down and will get you from place to place safely. And if you happen to lose your trusty sidekick, good luck looking for a reliable replacement.
Vocabulary lists containing reliable
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Positive Words to Describe a Person
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"My Favorite Chaperone," Vocabulary from the short story
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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.
Affordable destinations with reliable internet and a high quality of life can be found throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026
“Throughout our history, we have been a reliable producer and supplier with zero defaults on any shipment,” Al-Kaabi said at the Qatar Economic Forum.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
Ryanair reiterated its calls for Rolfe to resign, saying he had failed to deliver" either a reliable system or an effective back-up".
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
If he’d found an asset in Bitcoin that brought such reliable returns, why was he looking to share his scheme with millions and millions of retail investors?
From Slate ● Sep. 20, 2026
The story of the fact is a story in which the lowest and most unreliable form of knowledge was magically transformed into the highest and most reliable.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
