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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

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 responsible The association will be responsible for all costs, according to the agreement. Idaho Statesman, 6 July 2025 With wind resistance responsible for draining 75 per cent of a rider’s power on flat stages, and up to 90 per cent in a time trial, the impact can be massive. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 5 July 2025 States would be responsible for them, and—miracle of miracles—state and federal agencies actually agreed on how to manage grizzlies after ESA protections end. Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025 And tourists can also be responsible for the close calls, who rent e-bikes and scooters to joy ride around unfamiliar cities, leading to potential accidents. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for responsible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for responsible
Adjective
  • The president was also found liable for defaming Carroll over her allegations.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • According to her July 2025 report to the UN Human Rights Council, Albanese claimed the U.S. may be ‘liable for the international crime of aggression’ for President Trump's strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Amazon representatives insist drone deliveries are not only fast and reliable but safe, too.
    Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
  • Best Buy Here's proof that reliable tracking doesn't have to be expensive.
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The company carried out launch and landing tests last year, with one of the hops reaching around 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) in altitude before executing a powered descent and safe landing.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 12 July 2025
  • The linen cotton blend isn’t see-through and is safe to machine wash on a gentle cycle and even tumble dry on low afterward.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Now, as the families prepare for next week's sentencing hearing on July 23, Patterson and Ward are hoping to give readers a true sense of the four victims.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • What's changing with Gemini on Android Currently, the official email and support pages aren't providing consistent information on Gemini's true behavior regarding this change and how to disable it.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • After all, how often would Canada's biggest hockey market have a chance to acquire Canada's best player?
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • The Chiefs will finally open training camp with their best receivers having a foundation.
    Sam McDowell July 6, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its adjustable cords allow for subtle resistance changes, and the arched legs keep everything steady.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Prince Ali envisions steady growth over the next decade.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Responsible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/responsible. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on responsible

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