trusted source
Dependable information origin
A trusted source is a person, publication, or institution considered reliable for accurate information.
The phrase appears constantly in discussions of research, journalism, and misinformation: Always verify claims with a trusted source.
What counts as trusted varies by context and audience—a scientist trusts peer-reviewed journals, while someone else might trust a favorite podcast.
The term has gained urgency in the era of online misinformation, where distinguishing trusted sources from unreliable ones has become a civic skill.
- reliableConsistently performing as expected
- credibleWorthy of acceptance
- gold standardMeasure of ultimate quality
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- verifiedConfirmed as accurate
fact check · authentic · expert · journalist · on the record · deep background · encyclopedia · peer-reviewed · fact-checked · citation · reference · official · reputable · witness · horse's mouth · insider · inside scoop · confidential
- go-to peopleexpert, mentor, advisor, specialist, consultant
- online authorityinfluencer, verified account, blue check, page rank, badge
trusted sourcehearsay
Unverified secondhand information
rumor · gossip · speculation · conjecture · urban legend
trusted sourcedisinformation
Intentional deceptive falsehoods
misinformation · propaganda · fake news · lies · fabrication
trusted, source, trust, trusts, trusting, trusty, trustee, trustful, trustworthy