Responsible Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

Expanding your vocabulary is essential whether you’re a writer or not. And some great additions to your word vault are the word responsible and some responsible synonyms.

There are a lot of words that you can use instead of “responsible.” Depending on what you’re writing, some terms can be interchangeable. In this guide, you’ll learn a ton of new responsible synonyms. You will also discover the meaning of each of them.

So get ready to learn!

What does Responsible mean?

Responsible is an excellent adjective to describe someone or something which exhibits caution and discretion in the choice of behavior or action.

If you are responsible, you are reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. It implies that you are strongly committed to your purposes and goals.

• They were fully responsible for the commotion.
• A thief was responsible for breaking into the office last night.
• The trainee proved to be very responsible in completing his assigned presentations.
• My mom left me in charge and told me I was responsible for my brother’s actions. 

Responsible Synonym — Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

Responsible synonym examples are in charge of, in control of, manage, oversee, superintend, and supervise. Other similar words include conduct, run, charged with, accountable for, accountable, and answerable.

Dependable

The term dependable describes someone capable of fulfilling a promise, completing a job, and keeping a secret. This also refers to someone who can provide for themselves and their family’s needs and not rely on others.

• My little brother is very dependable at a young age.

Liable

The dictionary defines liable as being ‘morally or legally responsible for something. It may also refer to a person’s relation to a case or issue. This can be being accountable for the accident at fault or being liable to pay the debt.

• He was held liable for the drop in sales this quarter.

Reliable

Reliable originates from an Old French term meaning to assemble, put together or oblige. Someone reliable is dependable and steady in their effort and behavior. They tend to follow through with what they must do by staying consistent and following institutional standards.

• The success of the business was based largely on its reliability.

Trustworthy

A trustworthy person is someone you can trust with sensitive information. It also means that someone is truthful and honest.

• I can tell everything to my friends because they’re all trustworthy.

Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

Unaccountable

This term refers to something inexplicable. It can also describe someone who lacks conscience and lacks a sense of personal liability.

• It’s never wise to hire unaccountable people.

Immature

Immaturity is a characteristic that can exist in both kids and adults. Immature people display a lack of obligation. The term can also apply to the inability to cooperate and showing an unmet need for attention.

• He was immature and kept ranting about his responsibilities. 

Dodgy 

Dodgy means having a shady character. It’s closely related to being unreliable and untrustworthy. An example of a dodgy practice might be a dodgy company where the company isn’t being truthful with its customers.

• They invested in a very dodgy business and lost a lot of money.

To Wrap Up

You can use responsible and some of these similar terms interchangeably. It all depends on the context, and there’s always a good chance that one of these similar terms will better suit your needs!