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.
Together, these two abilities were more reliable predictors of reading performance than any other skills examined in the study.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026
The group is also calling for dumpsters at all apartment buildings and businesses, as well as more reliable bulky-item pickup.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
The company added: "Our priority is to ensure that bus services remain reliable, accessible and able to meet the needs of all passengers, particularly on routes that already experience high levels of demand."
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
But although some patients, once medicated, could live rewarding and independent lives, funding for reliable community treatment never materialized, leaving many of the most seriously ill unsupported.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
Girls from Central are here as well; reliable Helen has ably taken over the kitchen, washing guests’ teacups as soon as they dirty.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
