Credible
adjective /ˈkredɪbəl/ — Believable and trustworthy.
Definition
Able to be believed; convincing; appearing to be worthy of trust or confidence.
Beyond the definition
Credible is what you want to be when it matters most — in a presentation, a negotiation, an argument, an interview. Being credible is about more than being truthful; it's about being believed.
Origin & history
From Latin credibilis — worthy of belief, from credere 'to believe'. Related to 'credit' — being trusted enough to be given something.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
A credible source cites its evidence and acknowledges what it doesn't know.
She lost credibility by overstating the results.
To be credible in an interview, your examples need to be specific, not vague.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Credible” when the meaning fits your context: Able to be believed; convincing; appearing to be worthy of trust or confidence.
Synonyms
believable, trustworthy, convincing, reliable, plausible
Antonyms
unbelievable, dubious, unreliable
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Composed Team Leader Reviewing
An experienced team leader reviews a model with attentive colleagues, their open posture and thoughtful expression conveying trustworthiness and deep preparation.
The team leader’s posture and clear, thoughtful review process lend them credibility. By appearing prepared and calm rather than intimidating, they demonstrate an ability to be trusted, showing that their judgement is worthy of the colleagues' confidence in their decisions.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Credible" mean?
Credible is adjective meaning: Believable and trustworthy.. Able to be believed; convincing; appearing to be worthy of trust or confidence.
Where does the word "Credible" come from?
From Latin credibilis — worthy of belief, from credere 'to believe'. Related to 'credit' — being trusted enough to be given something.