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Definitions

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.

The challenge is that reliable samples from decades ago are hard to find.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

"AI tools aren't 100% reliable — they can fail in subtle ways and yet operators continue to over-trust them," she told NBC News last month.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

For investors that want to seek out the market’s most reliable dividend payers, the simplest solution is probably the ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF, which tracks the benchmark.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

As Linda Loman, Deborah Strang, normally so reliable, tries to follow the lead of husband Willy, but that turns out to be a dead end.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

“The only reliable approach to the study of the natural process is through one’s own observations.”

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.