re·li·able
ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl 
1
: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable
2
: giving the same result on successive trials
reliableness
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
Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
Betting companies have advocated for regulations aiming at a more reliable market, but argued any tax increases could make local companies struggle to settle in Brazil as offshore sites would continue to tap into the Brazilian market without paying for licenses, among other requirements.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2026
The new ol’ reliable will serve as a mainstay in your capsule wardrobe for seasons to come.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reliable
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Adjective
The province is an important data center hub because of its cool temperatures and rich geological resources that allow for cost-effective construction and reliable storage of heavy-duty servers.
—Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
Betting companies have advocated for regulations aiming at a more reliable market, but argued any tax increases could make local companies struggle to settle in Brazil as offshore sites would continue to tap into the Brazilian market without paying for licenses, among other requirements.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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
The new ol’ reliable will serve as a mainstay in your capsule wardrobe for seasons to come.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reliable
Cite this Entry
“Reliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliable. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
reliable
adjective
re·li·able
ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl
: giving the same result on successive trials
a reliable psychological test
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