rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī 

relied; relying

intransitive verb

1

: to be dependent

the system on which we rely for water

2

: to have confidence based on experience

someone you can rely on

relier

ri-ˈlī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of rely

• depend
• count

Examples of rely in a Sentence

rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives

Recent Examples on the Web

Rick Valente, a patient who visits a third-floor doctor's office several times a month, said he has been forced to climb the stairs despite relying on a cane for stability. —Bri Buckley, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Authorities rely on an electronic arsenal of radio frequency scanners, radars, and listening and optical devices and jammers, as well as their own set of drones, to track down drone operators below. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Rather than relying solely on large strategic assets, defense planners increasingly seek portable systems that can move with frontline forces. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026

Russia’s state budget relies on oil earnings for at least one-third of its revenue, according to analysts. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English relien to rally, from Anglo-French relier to retie, gather, rally, from Latin religare to tie out of the way, from re- + ligare to tie — more at ligature

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rely

• rely on/upon

Rhymes for rely

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī 

relied; relying

1

: to have confidence based on experience

someone you can rely on

2

: to be dependent

the system on which we rely for water

Legal Definition

rely

intransitive verb

re·​ly

relied; relying

: to depend with confidence : place faith