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Definitions

responsible

[ri-spon-suh-buhl] / rɪˈspɒn sə bəl /
ADJECTIVE
accountable, in charge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
answerable culpable guilty liable pledged subject
WEAK
at fault at the helm authoritative bonded bound bound to carrying the load censurable chargeable compelled constrained contracted decision-making devolving on duty-bound engaged executive exposed fettered hampered held high in authority in control incumbent minding the store obligated obliged on the hook open susceptive sworn to tied to blame under contract under obligation
Antonyms
STRONGEST
innocent right unaccountable
WEAK
excused exempt free immature immune irresponsible untrustworthy
ADJECTIVE
trustworthy, mature
Synonyms
STRONGEST
able capable competent conscientious effective efficient loyal rational reliable sensible
WEAK
adult dependable dutiful faithful firm levelheaded qualified self-reliant sober sound stable steadfast steady tried trusty upright
Antonyms
STRONGEST
impotent incapable incompetent ineffective inefficient inept irresponsible powerless unable unrealistic unreasonable useless weak
WEAK
excused exempt free immature immune untrustworthy

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.

"We understand how concerning this incident will be for the local community and want to reassure residents that officers are working at pace to identify those responsible," they said.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

She has enough credibility among progressives to be a responsible voice who wouldn’t be swept downstream by the latest, bad trend.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

Bondholders sent a letter to Spirit’s board members on Thursday night encouraging them to pursue an orderly liquidation and wind down immediately as “the only responsible path,” some of the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

“I am responsible for making the United States of America over 30 Billion Dollars in the last 90 days on that stock alone,” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social this past week.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Indiana had a 25 percent default rate; California, only 5 percent, even though Californians were, on the face of it, far less fiscally responsible.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing responsible

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)

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NAEP Test Words

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!