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
Synonyms
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
Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024
This is the 2020 Dell model, designed to be a reliable medium-duty workstation.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 6 Apr. 2024
Full coverage around your toes will keep your feet cozy as the spring weather continues to fluctuate, and the reliable cork and latex footbed will still mold to your feet for a supremely personal fit.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024
Predictions are based on data from decades ago, but climate change is disrupting reliable patterns.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Test scores are less reliable predictors of college completion than high school GPA and don't add meaningful academic information beyond what is already collected in the admissions process, according to meeting materials.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2024
Grant said the availability of good, reliable and inexpensive pregnancy tests has helped women discover their pregnancies earlier.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2024
Members of the National Association of Realtors will continue to be the most reliable partner for the millions of Americans striving to realize the American dream through homeownership.
—Tim Hur, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
From loud budgeting to girl math, there’s financial advice aplenty on social media—the problem is, not all of it is reliable.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 27 Mar. 2024
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024
Wood played many characters who were true-blue reliable, and others who were high-strung and neurotic.
—Tim Gray, Variety, 20 July 2023
But while newcomers may come and go, old reliables like Vieng Thai remain.
—Brooke Viggiano, Chron, 16 Feb. 2023
The old reliable is a classic cotton blanket.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 31 Jan. 2023
The old reliable is the trusty protein bar.
—Destin Demarion, Outdoor Life, 31 July 2020
And an old reliable in terms of comfy slip-ons — the storied Crocs Classic Clog — is on sale for just $25.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2022
The low-budget option is the definition of old reliable.
—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE.com, 21 July 2022
This old reliable is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and allergy-tested.
—ELLE, 15 Mar. 2022
Adjective
Universities and public gardens with plant databases such as the U-Conn. Plant Database or Missouri Botanical Garden are reliable resources, as are regional gardening books.
—Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024
This is the 2020 Dell model, designed to be a reliable medium-duty workstation.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 6 Apr. 2024
Full coverage around your toes will keep your feet cozy as the spring weather continues to fluctuate, and the reliable cork and latex footbed will still mold to your feet for a supremely personal fit.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024
Predictions are based on data from decades ago, but climate change is disrupting reliable patterns.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Test scores are less reliable predictors of college completion than high school GPA and don't add meaningful academic information beyond what is already collected in the admissions process, according to meeting materials.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2024
Grant said the availability of good, reliable and inexpensive pregnancy tests has helped women discover their pregnancies earlier.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2024
Members of the National Association of Realtors will continue to be the most reliable partner for the millions of Americans striving to realize the American dream through homeownership.
—Tim Hur, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
From loud budgeting to girl math, there’s financial advice aplenty on social media—the problem is, not all of it is reliable.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 27 Mar. 2024
Noun
The 17-6 victory by Turner’s first Chargers team affirmed the old reliables about protecting the ball and not panicking.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024
Wood played many characters who were true-blue reliable, and others who were high-strung and neurotic.
—Tim Gray, Variety, 20 July 2023
But while newcomers may come and go, old reliables like Vieng Thai remain.
—Brooke Viggiano, Chron, 16 Feb. 2023
The old reliable is a classic cotton blanket.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 31 Jan. 2023
The old reliable is the trusty protein bar.
—Destin Demarion, Outdoor Life, 31 July 2020
And an old reliable in terms of comfy slip-ons — the storied Crocs Classic Clog — is on sale for just $25.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2022
The low-budget option is the definition of old reliable.
—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE.com, 21 July 2022
This old reliable is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and allergy-tested.
—ELLE, 15 Mar. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reliable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Reliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliable. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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