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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.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones called the incidents "disgraceful" and urged police to use all the tools at their disposal to protect workers and punish those responsible.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

In experiments with mice, they found that the mutation disrupts a brain circuit responsible for updating beliefs when new information is received.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Now, during a 1:30 p.m. hearing on a defense motion to dismiss the case Wednesday, Birotte demanded to know who was responsible.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The plaintiff was awarded $6 million in damages, with Meta responsible for 70% of that amount and Google’s YouTube on the hook for the remainder.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“It’s time to accept that we’re responsible for the rise in the earth’s temperature,” Akira said, feeling the confidence of her own words.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

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