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a responsible adult
a dependable adult
a reliable adult
a trustworthy adult
an accountable adult
responsible decisions
careful decisions
mature decisions
appropriate decisions
thoughtful decisions
proactive decisions
a responsible government
a capable government
a competent government
a vigilant government
a prudent government
a resourceful government
responsible behavior
reliable behavior
righteous behavior
dependable behavior
mature behavior
accountable behavior

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective responsible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of responsible are accountable, amenable, answerable, and liable. While all these words mean "subject to being held to account," responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust.

the bureau responsible for revenue collection

When could accountable be used to replace responsible?

The words accountable and responsible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 responsible?

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 it sensible to use answerable instead of responsible?

The synonyms answerable and responsible are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Examples 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 responsible The data show those programs were responsible for planting just under 2,000 trees in the 2017 fiscal year. Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025 Snow will be responsible for evolving the Company’s strategic vision, planning and implementing the organization’s key priorities, defining and driving the organization’s long-term strategic plan and ensuring organizational alignment with it. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025 Burchett suggested that the U.S. State Department had been responsible for this, under Democrat President 's administration. Chloe Mayer, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Since individuals commit the crimes, individuals must be held responsible. Hurst Hannum, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for responsible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsible
Adjective
  • Last month, Trump’s adviser Stephen Miller warned that California officials of sanctuary cities may be criminally liable for interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The presence of debt makes borrowers contractually liable for repayment.
    Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Her exodus leaves the network without one of its most notable faces and viewers without a reliable morningside companion.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Kiviranta plays the kind of reliable 200-foot game a Finnish coach demands, and he’s delivered strong play-driving metrics this season.
    Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Leslie Montgomery’s home on the eastern edge of Caldwell was supposed to be a safe harbor for her and her three children.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Potential Side Effects and Considerations Creatine is generally regarded as safe for the average healthy adult, but excess consumption may lead to negative side effects.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, LD, Health, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the flip side is also true: Nothing would be more harmful than letting the Small Business Deduction disappear at the end of the year.
    John E. Kelly Jr., Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
  • By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, Cunanan answered correctly and clinched the win with a final score of $19,400.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Even beyond that, this was probably Miller’s best game of the year.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That number has remained fairly steady for the last year, generally fluctuating between 35,000 and just under 40,000 since late 2023.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
  • That number has remained fairly steady for nearly two decades, according to a report.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near responsible

Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on responsible

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