reliable

1 of 2

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce reliable (audio)
Synonyms of reliable
1
: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable
2
: giving the same result on successive trials
reliableness noun
reliably adverb

reliable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is reliable

Examples of reliable in a Sentence

Adjective He's not very reliable. You can't always count on him to do what he says he'll do. We can't write a report without reliable data. We need more reliable information before we can take action.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Julian Champagnie took over Harrison Barnes’ starting spot in San Antonio and has been an athletic upgrade who is durable and reliable while providing accurate volume shooting. Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026 Coming off a milestone anniversary season, and after a summer shakeup to its cast, the show this year brought in a mix of reliable, returning hosts like Ariana Grande and Melissa McCarthy and first-timers like Sabrina Carpenter and Finn Wolfhard. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 17 May 2026
Noun
With 50 seconds remaining in the Warriors’ play-in game against the host Clippers at Intuit Dome, Golden State’s two aging Hall of Famers went back to old reliable. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 The explorers, in over their heads, ran for cover to an old reliable, and arrived at the house’s whiskey sour: a sweet, frothy delicacy topped with exquisitely marbled foam. Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reliable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliable was in 1569

Cite this Entry

“Reliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliable. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

reliable

adjective
re·​li·​able
ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl
: fit to be trusted : dependable
reliableness noun
reliably
-blē
adverb

Medical Definition

reliable

adjective
re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce reliable (audio)
: giving the same result on successive trials
a reliable psychological test

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