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Definitions

responsible

[ri-spon-suh-buhl] / rɪˈspɒn sə bəl /
ADJECTIVE
accountable, in charge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
answerable culpable guilty liable pledged subject
WEAK
at fault at the helm authoritative bonded bound bound to carrying the load censurable chargeable compelled constrained contracted decision-making devolving on duty-bound engaged executive exposed fettered hampered held high in authority in control incumbent minding the store obligated obliged on the hook open susceptive sworn to tied to blame under contract under obligation
Antonyms
STRONGEST
innocent right unaccountable
WEAK
excused exempt free immature immune irresponsible untrustworthy
ADJECTIVE
trustworthy, mature
Synonyms
STRONGEST
able capable competent conscientious effective efficient loyal rational reliable sensible
WEAK
adult dependable dutiful faithful firm levelheaded qualified self-reliant sober sound stable steadfast steady tried trusty upright
Antonyms
STRONGEST
impotent incapable incompetent ineffective inefficient inept irresponsible powerless unable unrealistic unreasonable useless weak
WEAK
excused exempt free immature immune untrustworthy

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.

Osteoblasts are responsible for building new bone, while osteoclasts break down old bone.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

The Cuban leader, who confirmed in March that US and Cuban officials had held talks, reiterated his government's willingness to "engage in serious and responsible bilateral dialogue, and finding solutions to existing differences."

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

“Gentle massage of these areas is believed to help promote blood circulation, relax the muscles responsible for focusing and relieve visual fatigue,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Fleming and Insead professor of strategy Jasjit Singh analyzed millions of patent filings in a 2010 study to determine whether teams or individuals were responsible for the most successful inventions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Crouched in her little canopied compartment in the back of the aircraft, Tonya could see in all directions, and there she was responsible for two machine guns that would protect her crewmates from enemy aircraft.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

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