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