Synonyms

reliable

American

[ri-lahy-uh-buhl] / rɪˈlaɪ ə bəl /

adjective

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

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

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

reliable vs. 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.

The Russian Soyuz launcher was chosen because it is one of the most reliable in the world for transporting sensitive satellites, according to the Fars news agency.

From Barron's

When those precise systems break down, however, cells may fall back on a less reliable emergency option.

From Science Daily

The document wondered aloud whether such countries could remain “reliable allies.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Outside of holiday movies, I’m not a very reliable source of “comfort” fare, as my friends likely know.

From Salon

These figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023