reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying : the state of being reliant

2

: something or someone relied on

Synonyms

• anchor
• dependance
• backbone
• dependence
• pillar
• crutch

Examples of reliance in a Sentence

he's been the family's foremost reliance in times of trouble many times

a baby's reliance on her parents

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet the reliance on USD pegs comes with regulatory frictions and geopolitical exposure. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Bannon, who has long opposed U.S. military involvement in Iran, questioned Trump's reliance on intelligence reportedly provided by Israel, rather than U.S. sources. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025

The report noted that this reliance had led to an inadequate investment by the state in its emergency management staffing and infrastructure. —Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 27 June 2025

The film carries a strong message about our increasing reliance on AI. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reliance

• self-reliance

Rhymes for reliance

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• science

Kids Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying

2

: the condition or attitude of one who relies : dependence

3

: something or someone relied on

Legal Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-əns 

1

: the act of relying

reliance on a promise

2

: reliance interest at interest 1