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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

What help can you give your son and his family that supports them without creating an expectation that you are responsible for their lives?

From MarketWatch • 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

The largest island in the Persian Gulf, it shelters fast-attack craft, explosives-laden boats, drones and missiles belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the primary force responsible for securing the strait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“He’s not my precious anything. But sure, why don’t you act more like him? He’s responsible, and he's noble, and he’s good because he tries and he...”

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

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