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reputable

American  
[rep-yuh-tuh-buhl] / ˈrɛp jə tə bəl /

adjective

  1. held in good repute; honorable; respectable; estimable.

    a reputable organization.

  2. considered to be good or acceptable usage; standard.

    reputable speech.


reputable British  
/ ˈrɛpjʊtəbəl /

adjective

  1. having a good reputation; honoured, trustworthy, or respectable

  2. (of words) acceptable as good usage; standard

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of reputable

First recorded in 1605–15; repute + -able

Explanation

Want the real scoop on your favorite singer's latest romance? Then you should probably find a more reputable source than the tabloids — meaning someone with a better reputation, in this case for telling the truth. That's the thing with reputable reputations. People know you can be trusted, that you're honest and not trying to pull one over on anybody. Reputable institutions usually have a history of excellent service or outstanding work, and always come highly recommended. Reputable used car salesmen may seem scarce. The word reputable actually has a good deal of reputability itself, since it's been in standard use since the 17th century.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing reputable

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.

See Examples For:

Either way, there should be a warranty on the work done last year, if it was done by a reputable company.

From MarketWatch Aug. 18, 2026

According to Puck News’ Leigh Ann Caldwell, who cited “a reputable Democratic source,” the congresswoman and her fiancé Riley Roberts called off their engagement “about 18 months ago.”

From Salon Aug. 12, 2026

Right now, people have to go out of their way to find information from reputable sources.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 28, 2026

Kirsty, originally from Stockport, was living in Bali and engaged to a man who owned a wine business and restaurant, so was cautious about only buying alcohol from reputable suppliers.

From BBC Jul. 15, 2026

They had sought the advice of every medical expert in the greater Cleveland area—including the best fertility doctors at the Cleveland Clinic—and then engaged the most reputable adoption agency in the state.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

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