Credible

adj.thoughtful, capableprofessional

What it means

Worthy of belief because the claim or source is supported, consistent, and trustworthy.

Reach for it when describing evidence or communication that can reasonably be relied upon

The estimate became credible once each assumption was linked to a public record.

everyday
believable
the statement seems possible or convincing
not when Believable can rest on appearance alone and says less about evidence or trust.
everyday
solid
informal approval of dependable evidence fits
not when Solid is vague and can praise strength without addressing truth.
warm
trustworthy
a person or source has earned reliance over time
not when Trustworthiness is a character or reliability judgment, not just plausibility of one claim.
professional
convincing
the reasons successfully produce belief
not when Persuasive force may come from rhetoric rather than credibility.
professional
plausible
the explanation could reasonably be true
not when Plausibility marks reasonable possibility, not the evidentiary trust implied by credible.
formal
authoritative
recognized expertise gives the source weight
not when Authority can be mistaken, and a credible argument need not come from high status.
formal
creditworthy
financial ability to repay is specifically intended
not when This specialized term is wrong for a story, witness, or scientific claim.

credible source
A credible source distinguishes observed facts from estimates.
credible evidence
The panel found credible evidence in the dated maintenance logs.
credible account
Her credible account included the details she could not remember.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.