Reliable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl/ re·li·able

Meaning & Definition of Reliable

Reliable (adjective)

  1. suitable or fit to be relied on, dependable
  2. giving the same result on successive trials

Reliable (noun)

  1. one that is reliable

Reliable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. worthy of one's trust

    "I need a reliable car that's not going to break down constantly"

    similar: calculable, dependable, good, responsible, safe, secure, solid, steady, sure, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustable, trustworthy, trusty
    related: constant, devoted, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch, steadfast, true-blue, honest, sincere, single-minded, infallible, unerring, bedrock, firm, sound, strong, effective, telling, attested, authenticated, confirmed, proven, valid, validated, verified, blameless, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, inerrant, irreproachable, unimpeachable, unquestionable
    opposite: dodgy (chiefly British), uncertain, undependable, unreliable, unsafe, untrustworthy
    near: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue, deceitful, dishonest, lying, mendacious, untruthful, debatable, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, dubious, fishy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, uncertain, unsound, hazardous, risky, unconfirmed, untried

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Reliable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Reliable:

calculable, dependable, good, responsible, safe, secure, solid, steady, sure, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustable, trustworthy, trusty

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Reliable

Words with the opposite meaning of Reliable:

dodgy, uncertain, undependable, unreliable, unsafe, untrustworthy

Related Words for Reliable

constant, devoted, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch, steadfast, true-blue, honest, sincere, single-minded, infallible, unerring, bedrock, firm, sound, strong, effective, telling, attested, authenticated, confirmed, proven, valid, validated, verified, blameless, faultless, guiltless, impeccable

Near Antonyms of Reliable

disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue, deceitful, dishonest, lying, mendacious, untruthful, debatable, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, dubious, fishy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, unsound, hazardous, risky

Word Forms of Reliable

Derived words: reliableness (noun), reliably (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Reliable

First known use: 1569

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Reliable

Frequently Asked Questions about Reliable

What does "Reliable" mean?

"Reliable" means suitable or fit to be relied on, dependable. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: suitable or fit to be relied on, dependable.

What is another word for "Reliable"?

Other words for "Reliable" include calculable, dependable, good, responsible, safe, secure, solid and steady. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Reliable" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Reliable"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Reliable". Common alternatives include calculable, dependable, good, responsible, safe, secure, solid, steady, sure and tried.

What is the opposite of "Reliable"?

Antonyms of "Reliable" include dodgy, uncertain, undependable, unreliable, unsafe and untrustworthy. Near antonyms include disloyal, faithless, false and fickle.

How do you use "Reliable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Reliable" in a sentence: "I need a reliable car that's not going to break down constantly".

Is "Reliable" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Reliable" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Reliable" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Reliable" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Reliable"?

"Reliable" is pronounced /ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as re·li·able.