# credible

/ˈkɹɛdəbəɫ/ (US) · /kɹˈɛdɪbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/credible
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. believable or plausible

adjective · CEFR B2

easy to believe because it seems likely to be true.

For teachers: capable of being believed; plausible or convincing in nature.

- The police didn't find his excuse very credible because the timing was wrong.
- The witness provided a credible account of the accident, which was later supported by the footage from a nearby security camera.

### 2. trustworthy or reliable

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

someone or something that you can trust or depend on.

For teachers: worthy of confidence; dependable or reliable in a professional or personal capacity.

- You should only get your medical news from credible sources like doctors.
- Establishing yourself as a credible expert in this field requires years of rigorous research and peer-reviewed publications.

Usage: Often used to describe sources of information, experts, or witnesses.

## Examples

- The witness gave a credible account of the accident.
- The company needs a credible plan to reduce its carbon emissions before the next board meeting.
- Without a credible alternative to the current economic model, the opposition party struggled to gain traction among undecided voters during the televised debates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.