liable
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for liable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Legally or financially responsible for something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use liable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
held liable
liable for damages
liable to happen
Etymology
From Old French lier ("to bind"), from Latin ligare ("to bind, tie").
Full origin of liable →Frequently asked questions
What does “liable” mean?
The word “liable” means legally or financially responsible for something. In plain terms, legally responsible for something, or likely to do or suffer something.
How do you pronounce “liable”?
“Liable” is pronounced LEYE-uh-buhl (/ˈlaɪ̯əbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “liable” in a sentence?
Here is “liable” used in a sentence: “The landlord could be held liable for the faulty wiring.”
What part of speech is “liable”?
“Liable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “liable” come from?
The word “liable” comes from Latin. From Old French lier ("to bind"), from Latin ligare ("to bind, tie").
Is “liable” a common word?
“Liable” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “liable” have?
“Liable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: legally or financially responsible for something.
What is the difference between 'liable' and 'likely'?
Both can express probability, but 'liable' suggests likelihood of something unwanted or risky, as in 'the rope is liable to snap,' while 'likely' is neutral and applies to any probable outcome. You would say 'it's likely to rain,' but 'the old wiring is liable to fail.'
What is the difference between 'liable' and 'responsible'?
In legal contexts both mean answerable, but 'liable' specifically means being legally or financially obligated, often for damages or debts. 'Responsible' is broader and can describe general duty or accountability without implying legal enforcement.
What is the difference between 'liable' and 'libel'?
Despite the similar sound, they are unrelated. 'Liable' is an adjective meaning legally responsible or likely to happen, while 'libel' refers to a false written statement that damages someone's reputation.
What preposition follows 'liable'?
'Liable' takes 'for' when it means legally responsible ('liable for the damage') and 'to' when it means likely to experience something ('liable to forget'). The preposition signals which of the two meanings is intended.
