reliant

adjective

re·​li·​ant ri-ˈlī-ənt How to pronounce reliant (audio)
: having reliance on something or someone : dependent
reliantly adverb

Examples of reliant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What’s interesting is that some in the Middle East, and probably many more than Americans are aware of, grasp the above assertion about what not only the Middle East needs, but every country reliant on American money, military protection, advice, or all three needs. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Meanwhile, the loss of Smith badly damages a Dolphins passing game that was heavily reliant on the tight end last season. Smith, 29, caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in his only season with Miami; both were franchise records. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 In addition, as a medium-sized market with perennially low spending on first-team player salaries, developing its own talent would mean the Loons are less reliant on transfer fees for international players, intraleague trades and the college draft. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 Iran, for one, has become almost entirely reliant on China as the customer for 90% of its oil — which means closing the Strait, the primary avenue for those exports, would do Iran at least as much harm as its adversaries. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reliant

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliant was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Reliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliant. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

reliant

adjective
re·​li·​ant ri-ˈlī-ənt How to pronounce reliant (audio)
: having reliance on something or someone : trusting
reliant on the family for news
reliantly adverb

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