Definitions

reliable

[ri-lahy-uh-buhl] / rɪˈlaɪ ə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

trustworthy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decent decisive dependable good honest positive predictable respectable safe sincere solid stable steady strong true

WEAK

candid careful certain come-through conscientious constant definite determined devoted faithful firm high-principled honorable impeccable incorrupt loyal okay proved reputable responsible righteous sound staunch steadfast sterling sure there tried tried-and-true true-blue true-hearted trusty unequivocal unfailing unimpeachable upright veracious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bad broken corrupt dishonest evil false fraudulent inadequate indefinite intermittent soft uncertain undependable unfixed unreal unreliable unrespectable unstable unsteady unsuitable unsure untrustworthy vulnerable weak wobbly

WEAK

deceptive irresponsible

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.

They also need reliable ways to tell exactly what kind of entangled state they have made.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

"A European rail system needs simple bookings, reliable connections, and clear rights for passengers. Only then will rail become a genuine European alternative to short-haul flights."

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

“Digital environments become the easiest and most reliable way to regulate mood, boredom, or stress, so they gradually start to crowd everything else out.”

From Slate • May 12, 2026

The boneheaded prediction is a sports hack’s loyal companion, and the reliable move is to ignore it, carry on, hope we all get mad about some other nonsense and forget it happened.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Isadora kept texting him videos of people’s takes on the military’s involvement in science, which ranged from totally bonkers conspiracy theories to surprisingly informative facts from laypeople, complete with reliable sources.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!