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

Wemby’s offense remains a work in progress—he needs to develop a reliable midrange shot, à la Kevin Durant, and his low post game will remind no one of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The burden falls disproportionately on the elderly, outdoor workers and households without reliable access to cooling.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

The first reliable edition of Galen, on which Vesalius had worked, appeared in Basle in 1538; it was there that Vesalius insisted that his Fabric should be printed.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Positive Words to Describe a Person

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