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reliable Definition

re·li·able (ri lī′ə bəl)

adjective

that can be relied on; dependable; trustworthy

reliable Related Forms
re·li′·abil′·ity noun or re·li′·able·ness re·li′·ably adverb
reliable Synonyms

reliable

modif.

  1. Having a sound character

    dependable, trustworthy, firm, unimpeachable, trusty, sterling, strong, positive, stable, dependable, solid, staunch, decisive, unequivocal, steadfast, conscientious, constant, steady, faithful, loyal, true, sure, devoted, tried, honest, honorable, veracious, candid, true-hearted, principled, responsible, sincere, reputable, careful, proved, respectable, righteous, decent, incorruptible, truthful, upright, unfailing, unswerving, to be trusted, as good as one's word, regular*, all right*, OK*, kosher*, on the up and up*, square-shooting*, true blue*, tried and true*, straight-shooting*.

    Antonyms false*, irresponsible, unfaithful.

  2. Worthy of trust

    safe, honest, sound, stable, solid, steady, guaranteed, sure, certain, substantial, secure, unquestionable, conclusive, irrefutable, incontestable, credible, dependable, good, firm, strong, solvent, unfailing, infallible, authentic, competent, assured, workable, foolproof, sure-fire*.

    Antonyms dangerous*, insecure, undependable.

reliable is applied to a person or thing that can be counted upon to do what is expected or required a reliable assistant, a reliable car; dependable refers to a person or thing that can be depended on, as in an emergency, and often connotes levelheadedness or steadiness a dependable friend; trustworthy applies to a person, or sometimes a thing, whose truthfulness, integrity, discretion, etc. can be relied on a trustworthy source of information; trusty applies to a person or thing that continued experience has shown to be highly trustworthy or dependable my trusty steed

reliable Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • statistically: The data from the labor force survey, which is a sample survey, are not statistically reliable at the constituency level.
  • sufficiently: Some practices still feel that mobile phones are not sufficiently reliable.
  • highly: The entire range uses the latest and highest quality ceramic cartridges for an easy to use and highly reliable operation.
  • utterly: It is comprehensive and utterly reliable, if somewhat dry.
  • reasonably: In addition, well- developed informal networks often exist and these can be a rich and reasonably reliable source of student opinion.
  • historically: Historians assumed that the earliest strand would be the most historically reliable.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: Doubling up the components makes servers more reliable too.

Modifies a noun

  • source: Here is a round-up of the latest news, coming from the most reliable source!
  • indicator: They are not a reliable indicator of what will actually happen.
  • supplier: Help can be provided by locating a reliable supplier in your area upon request.
  • estimate: Reliable estimates of equipment value or need were not obtained in the timescale of this study.
  • witness: He concluded his statement with the following words: " I do not see any reason to doubt the reports of reliable witnesses.
  • evidence: You should be, given the lack of reliable evidence for their use.

Used with adjective complement

  • prove: The reviewer has used the old version for the last nine months and it has proved reliable.
  • seem: For example I think the scaffold will probably be a light color because source 4 seems pretty reliable.
  • consider: However it should be remembered that NOSS are military surveillance satellites, and as such, published data cannot be considered totally reliable.
  • deliver: Zoom has made a name for itself by delivering reliable, affordable and compatible equipment to the market.
  • become: Our weakness will be up front where we cannot afford to rely on Karl Bayliss as the old warhorse's knees become less reliable.
  • remain: Yet, as can be expected of an Aprilia, this amazing power is still fully usable and the engine itself remains totally reliable.

Preposition: in

  • sense: This test kit has been very reliable in the sense that its internal controls worked well.

Browse dictionary entries near reliable

  1. ‹ reliability
  2. ‹ relevant
  3. ‹ relevancy
  4. ‹ relevance
  5. ‹ relevé
  6. ‹ relentless
  7. ‹ relent
  8. ‹ relegate
  9. ‹ released time
  10. ‹ released
  1. reliably ›
  2. reliance ›
  3. reliant ›
  4. relic ›
  5. relict ›
  6. reliction ›
  7. relief ›
  8. relief map ›
  9. relief valve ›
  10. relieve ›