Synonyms of answerable

answerable

adjective

ˈan(t)-s(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

as in responsible

being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so

you are answerable for your own conduct at all times

Synonyms & Similar Words

• responsible
• liable
• accountable
• amenable
• indebted
• beholden
• obligated
• obliged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unaccountable
• irresponsible
• exempt
• immune
• nonaccountable

2

as in resolvable

capable of having the reason for or cause of determined

they say this equation is not answerable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resolvable
• feasible
• explainable
• soluble
• explicable
• solvable
• analyzable
• workable
• decipherable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insoluble
• inexplicable
• difficult
• hopeless
• unsolvable
• impossible
• unexplainable
• inextricable
• knotty
• insolvable
• unresolvable
• insuperable
• absurd
• ridiculous
• preposterous
• outlandish
• fantastic
• fantastical

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective answerable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of answerable are accountable, amenable, liable, and responsible. While all these words mean "subject to being held to account," 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

Where would accountable be a reasonable alternative to answerable?

The synonyms accountable and answerable are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 answerable?

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 can responsible be used instead of answerable?

The meanings of responsible and answerable largely overlap; however, responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust.

the bureau responsible for revenue collection

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of answerable

Immaturity now struts in the public sphere, answerable to no one. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024

Protesters demanding royal reform wanted to abolish the lese majeste law, and to ensure the king is answerable to the constitution, with protesters scrutinizing Vajiralongkorn’s immense wealth and power. —Helen Regan, CNN, 31 Jan. 2024

That kind of decision is essentially a political decision, and the politically answerable official who heads the executive — the president — is the person ultimately responsible to the public for the results. —Michael B. Mukasey, National Review, 9 May 2023

Los Angeles and other big cities are answerable for potholes on the streets (but not highways) within their boundaries. —Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2023