RELY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

rely

verb

ri-ˈlī

Definition of rely

as in to depend

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of rely Reddit expects Rules Hub to eventually replace the Automod tool, which relies primarily on exact keywords. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 The spy satellite that changed intelligence forever Before satellites, gathering intelligence on the Soviet Union relied heavily on risky reconnaissance flights such as those carried out by the U-2 spy plane. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 Artificial nighttime illumination can alter the behavior of migratory birds, insects and other nocturnal species that rely on moonlight and starlight to navigate, feed and reproduce, the coalition says. — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026 In fact, the modernization process itself should rely heavily on AI. — Anuradha Choudhury, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rely

Verb

Some depend on Iran more than others, Ahmadi said, adding that currently Yemen’s Houthi rebels are likely the most independent.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
At a cost of approximately $8,600 to $23,100 per person (depending on the package), the 2026 edition covers Milan to Barcelona from September 3 through 6 while taking the rally to new heights.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of depend

Verb

Sending him, along with pitching prospect Mason McGwire, to the Los Angeles Angels for reliever Ryan Zeferjahn counts as further evidence that the Cubs don’t think Ballesteros is a catcher going forward.

— Eno Sarris, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
But the administration decided that being homeless isn't a medical condition and can't count as an automatic out from having to meet the new requirements.

— Katheryn Houghton, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026