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.

“Dividends can offer a reliable income stream, signal confidence to the market, and help stabilize portfolios during periods of uncertainty and high valuations,” wrote the Morgan Stanley team led by strategist Todd Castagno.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

They’re preparing for worsening droughts as climate change makes water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and the Colorado River less reliable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

"As time has gone on and maybe the pressure has built, they have fallen back on the reliable side. It's worked and it's been the right choice because they have won the Premier League."

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Ships can’t see one another or locate themselves on electronic charts, and instead rely on radar to navigate, which is reliable but requires an experienced person at the helm, seafarers said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

A combination saloon, inn, and post office—not unlike Surratt’s tavern—it was known among Confederate sympathizers as a reliable safe house and place to exchange information.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

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

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