trustworthy

/ˌtrʌstˈwʌrði/

/ˈtrʌstwəði/

Other forms: trustworthily

Trustworthy describes something you can believe in — it's completely reliable. Your favorite newspaper can be trustworthy — they always print the truth — and people can be trustworthy too. You only tell your secrets to a trustworthy friend.

Breaking apart the word trustworthy gives you a clue to its meaning. It combines the common word trust, which describes something you can rely on, and the word worthy, which describes something that deserves respect. So something — or someone — that's trustworthy deserves your trust. In an election, you'll likely vote for the most trustworthy candidate because you believe she'll keep her promises. If you're trustworthy, that means you're reliable: you do what you say you're going to do.

Definitions of trustworthy

1. adjective

   worthy of trust or belief
   “a trustworthy report”

   “an experienced and trustworthy traveling companion”

   synonyms: trusty

   dependable, reliable

   worthy of reliance or trust

   faithful

   steadfast in affection or allegiance

   honest, honorable

   not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

   responsible

   worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable

   authentic, reliable

   conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief

   creditworthy, responsible

   having an acceptable credit rating

   dependable, honest, reliable, true

   worthy of being depended on

   fiducial

   based on trust

   sure, trusted

   (of persons) worthy of trust or confidence

   antonyms:

   untrustworthy

   not worthy of trust or belief

   undependable, unreliable

   not worthy of reliance or trust

   unfaithful

   not true to duty or obligation or promises

   dishonest, dishonorable

   deceptive or fraudulent; disposed to cheat or defraud or deceive

   devious, shifty

   characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive

   fly-by-night, shady

   (of businesses and businessmen) unscrupulous

   slippery, tricky

   not to be trusted
2. adjective

   taking responsibility for one's conduct and obligations
   “trustworthy public servants”

   synonyms:

   responsible

   worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable