reliable

[ri-lahy-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. that may be relied on or trusted; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty, etc..

   reliable information.

   Synonyms: consistent, authentic, trusty
   Antonyms: deceitful, questionable, undependable

reliable

/ rɪˈlaɪəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be trusted; predictable or dependable

Other Word Forms

• reliably adverb
• reliability noun
• reliableness noun
• nonreliable adjective
• nonreliableness noun
• nonreliably adverb
• quasi-reliable adjective
• quasi-reliably adverb
• ultrareliable adjective
• ultrareliablely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reliable¹

First recorded in 1560–70; rely + -able

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

A DoorDash spokesperson said the company is encouraged by the steps taken “towards making drone delivery a scalable, safe, and reliable option for more communities across the country.”

From Los Angeles Times

Would Snell be the more reliable option to record the final outs of the inning?

From Los Angeles Times

The search results do not contain substantive opposing viewpoints to the author’s arguments about the Supreme Court decision or immigration enforcement policies from reliable sources that meet the specified criteria.

From Los Angeles Times

Amey says the work is essential to ensure the motorway remains safe and reliable.

From BBC

In San Francisco, the test positivity rate has been hovering around 9% for the last week of reliable data available.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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