Definition of accountablenext
as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so the owner was held accountable for his dog's biting of the child

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective accountable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of accountable are amenable, answerable, liable, and responsible. While all these words mean "subject to being held to account," accountable suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation.

elected officials are accountable to the voters

How do amenable and liable relate to one another, in the sense of accountable?

Both amenable and liable stress the fact of subjection to review, censure, or control by a designated authority under certain conditions.

laws are amenable to judicial review
not liable for the debts of the former spouse

When is answerable a more appropriate choice than accountable?

While in some cases nearly identical to accountable, answerable suggests a relation between one having a moral or legal obligation and a court or other authority charged with oversight of its observance.

an intelligence agency answerable to Congress

When would responsible be a good substitute for accountable?

The words responsible and accountable can be used in similar contexts, but responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust.

the bureau responsible for revenue collection

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of accountable Leaders are now accountable for measurable ROI, not demos or benchmark scores. Abhas Ricky, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026 Whoever abducted her committed an evil act and must be found and held accountable. Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026 More recently, his administration asked the state to extend the mayor’s authority over the system for another four years, while promising to be more accountable to the public. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026 Elections serve not merely as mechanisms for selecting officeholders, but as opportunities for citizens to evaluate governance and hold officials accountable. Charlie Hunt, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accountable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accountable
Adjective
  • State officials argue the conditions violate the constitutional rights of inmates and could be responsible for the high number of in-custody deaths.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Americans broadly disapprove of how Trump has handled the economy, immigration, and the cost of living—the three issues most responsible for putting him back in the White House.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Several speakers said the restrictions put forward in the measure would put an unreasonable burden on service providers and facilities, who would be held liable if people seeking support are using or possessing drugs without their knowledge.
    Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Tort claims have to be filed in a very specific timeframe (up to 180 days after the damage occurs) and the city had to be previously aware of the pothole and had a reasonable amount of time to repair it in order to be held liable.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accountable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accountable. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on accountable

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