rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
relied; relying
Synonyms of rely

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 How to pronounce rely (audio)
noun

Synonyms of rely

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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
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.
Over the past several months, officials have been rebuilding much of the tariff regime that existed before the ruling, this time by relying on authorities that trade lawyers generally view as having a firmer legal foundation. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 The Dolphins’ failures to defend the run come in large part due to the then-trio of rookie defensive tackles – Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers – that the team relied upon heavily. — Miami Herald, 25 July 2026 Throughout the streak, the Red Sox began to rely more heavily on small ball. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 24 July 2026 On top of that, Perel said, the kinds of communities and rituals people traditionally relied on when facing enigma and loss aren’t so common anymore. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rely

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rely was in 1574

Phrases Containing rely

Rhymes for rely

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Browse Nearby Words

relumine
rely
rely on/upon
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Cite this Entry

“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rely

verb
re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on rely

Nglish: Translation of rely for Spanish Speakers

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