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.

Never mind that the system is far from reliable when it comes to aircraft ID, and erroneous bills are a growing problem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

They are likely to be more reliable than they are typically given credit for.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

There are no reliable figures for the death toll, but it is thought to be at least 50,000.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Ideal sites needed reliable access to water and other necessities, along with landscape features that could help drive and contain bison herds.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

From these he produced the first calculations of life expectancy for different age groups, and so the first reliable figures which could provide a basis for pricing life insurance.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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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