Synonyms for reliable
- adjective
Most common
Definitions
- adj. 1
Suitable or fit to be relied on; worthy of dependence, reliance or trust; dependable, trustworthy
the best means, and the most reliable pledge, of a higher object
Related words
- Word family
- reliableness reliably reliability reliance rely
Choose the right word
The word reliable has been sharply challenged, but seems to have established its place in the language. Reliable is inferior in meaning, denoting merely the possession of such qualities as are needed for safe reliance; as, a reliable pledge; reliable information.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- safe All the papers were taped up and kept in the safe.
- honest Say what you will, I think he is an honest person.
- trustworthy He is a good fellow for sure, but not trustworthy.
- dependable Tom told Mary that he thought John was dependable.
- authentic This restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan pizza.
- credible It wasn't true, but at first it sounded credible.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| reliable | steady | |
| safe | rising | |
| honest | rising | |
| trustworthy | rising | |
| dependable | falling | |
| authentic | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- sure1, true1, safe1, firm1
- 5 letters
- tried1, solid2
- 6 letters
- honest2, secure2, trusty2
- 7 letters
- certain2
- 8 letters
- faithful2, credible3
- 9 letters
- authentic3
- 10 letters
- dependable4
- 11 letters
- trustworthy3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (solid2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- fiable
- Deutsch
- zuverlässig
- Català
- fiable