reliable
10 synonyms and 1 antonyms for reliable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
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 reliable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from rely plus the suffix -able, meaning "able to be relied on."
Full origin of reliable →Frequently asked questions
What does “reliable” mean?
The word “reliable” means consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted. In plain terms, something or someone you can count on to behave consistently.
How do you pronounce “reliable”?
“Reliable” is pronounced rih-LEYE-uhbl (/ɹɪˈlaɪəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “reliable” in a sentence?
Here is “reliable” used in a sentence: “She's always been a reliable friend in a crisis.”
What is another word for “reliable”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reliable” include secure, dependable, trustworthy and solid.
What is the opposite of “reliable”?
The opposite of “reliable” — its antonyms — is unreliable.
What part of speech is “reliable”?
“Reliable” is an adjective.
Is “reliable” a common word?
“Reliable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "reliable" and "reliant"?
"Reliable" means able to be trusted and consistently good in quality or performance, describing something others can depend on. "Reliant" means dependent on someone or something else. A reliable car can be depended on, while a person reliant on a car cannot manage without it.
What is the difference between "reliable" and "trustworthy"?
"Trustworthy" emphasises honesty and good character, meaning someone will not deceive you. "Reliable" emphasises consistent performance, meaning someone or something does what is needed every time. A person can be trustworthy but unreliable if they mean well yet often forget commitments.
What is the difference between "reliable" and "credible"?
"Credible" means believable or convincing, describing something likely to be true. "Reliable" means dependable and consistently good in performance. A reliable source is one you can count on repeatedly, while a credible claim is simply one that sounds plausible.
What are common collocations with "reliable"?
Common pairings include "reliable source," "reliable information," "reliable car," "reliable service," and "highly reliable." These phrases stress consistency and trustworthiness in people, products, or information.