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.
Irwin calls for lowering the cost of living through “expanding affordable housing, investing in reliable and lower-cost energy, reducing prescription drug and child care costs, and creating good-paying jobs that help families get ahead.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
"America.gov will continue to be updated to provide Americans the most accurate and reliable federal information and resources," a White House official said in a statement to AFP, without elaborating.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
“If we can really provide reliable, affordable and convenient public charging, I think there’s an opportunity to really start to unlock the barriers fully for people to adopt EVs.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026
But in this setting the measurements are less reliable, responses to the same food can vary substantially, and there is little evidence that minimizing these fluctuations improves long-term health.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026
The huge, slow-moving dirigibles were later replaced by more reliable long-range airplanes, such as the German Gotha bombers that carried out daylight raids on London.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
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.
