dependable

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl How to pronounce dependable (audio)
Synonyms of dependable
: capable of being trusted or depended on : reliable
a dependable source of income
a dependable assistant
needs a dependable car for work
dependability
di-ˌpen-də-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce dependable (audio)
noun
dependableness noun
dependably
di-ˈpen-də-blē How to pronounce dependable (audio)
adverb

dependability

2 of 2

noun

de·​pend·​abil·​i·​ty də̇ˌpendəˈbilətē How to pronounce dependability (audio)
(ˌ)dēˌ-, 
-ətē, 
-i
plural -es
: the quality or state of being dependable

Synonyms of dependable

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of dependable in a Sentence

Adjective seeking a dependable person to look after their summer home in the off-season
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
Vandersloot is more dependable than many veterans at her age, but the guard is nevertheless in the final stage of her longevity. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Clinkunbroomer was described by colleagues as a smart and dependable guy often assigned to teach others how to do various jobs at work. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 But even the most dependable pieces eventually become too stained, scratched, or mismatched for food storage. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026 Our business depends upon a consistent and dependable supply of theatrical films. — Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

depend + -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependable was in 1735

Rhymes for dependable

See All Rhymes for dependable

Browse Nearby Words

dependability
dependable
dependableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dependable

adjective
de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl How to pronounce dependable (audio)
: capable of being depended on : trustworthy, reliable
a dependable car
dependability
-ˌpen-də-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce dependable (audio)
noun
dependably
-ˈpen-də-blē How to pronounce dependable (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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