dependable

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

Synonyms of dependable

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Examples of dependable in a Sentence

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.
Strong passwords, multifactor authentication, current software, antivirus protection and dependable backups all cover risks that a firewall cannot handle. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Particularly in personal injury, where demand exists at all hours of the day and night, dependable accessibility can distinguish a firm that is willing to prioritize client needs over its internal schedule. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 You are allowed to be dependable without being endlessly available. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Backups like second-year center Chavez Thompson of Cocoa are among the options that the coaches feel will be dependable depth, and a number of them could get more game experience on Saturday late in the guarantee game. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependable

Word History

Etymology

depend + -able

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependable was in 1735

Rhymes for dependable

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Browse Nearby Words

dependability
dependable
dependableness
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Cite this Entry

“Dependable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependable. Accessed 3 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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