adjective

credible

KRED-uh-bul/ˈkredəbl/

Worthy of belief or serious consideration.

Her detailed account of the accident sounds credible to investigators.

An East Asian witness calmly shows a matching photograph and physical object to support a believable account.

Etymology

The belief root and capability ending describe something that can be believed. Latin credibilis also meant “worthy to be believed,” preserving the distinction between mere possibility and deserving trust.

In context

Behind the News0:58

… they haven't been able to produce any credible evidence. Many aren't buying it

Myanmar Coup Explained: Protests, Military, Min Aung Hlaing & Aung San Suu Kyi

More examples

We need credible evidence before making an accusation.
The new candidate is a credible challenger to the mayor.
His explanation seems more credible now that we have the receipts.

Forms

credible · more credible · most credible

credibility noun — The quality of deserving belief or trust.

credibly adverb — In a way that deserves belief.

Similar words

believable: Emphasizes seeming true rather than deserving serious consideration.
plausible: Suggests apparent reasonableness without necessarily having strong supporting evidence.
reliable: Emphasizes consistent accuracy or dependability, not just deserving belief.