responsible, answerable, accountable, amenable, liable mean subject to being held to account. responsible implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust.
// the bureau responsible for revenue collection answerable suggests a relation between one having a moral or legal obligation and a court or other authority charged with oversight of its observance.
// an intelligence agency answerable to Congress accountable suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation.
// elected officials are accountable to the voters amenable and liable stress the fact of subjection to review, censure, or control by a designated authority under certain conditions.
// laws are amenable to judicial review
// not liable for the debts of the former spouse