reliant

adjective

re·​li·​ant ri-ˈlī-ənt 

: having reliance on something or someone : dependent

reliantly adverb

Examples of reliant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Younger populations tend to be more innovative and less reliant on public support, a fact that bodes well for American prospects in the competition to come. — Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026

Around 200 mostly elderly residents remained, entirely reliant on aid deliveries. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026

Washington is heavily reliant on imports, primarily from South Africa, home to the world’s largest reserves and production. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Concerns are mounting that cash-burning companies reliant on debt are going to have a hard time meeting their obligations as interest rates rise and lenders back out of the market. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reliant

• self-reliant

Rhymes for reliant

• client
• giant
• pliant
• scient
• compliant
• defiant
• suppliant
• noncompliant

Kids Definition

reliant

adjective

re·​li·​ant ri-ˈlī-ənt 

: having reliance on something or someone : trusting

reliant on the family for news

reliantly adverb