reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying : the state of being reliant

2

: something or someone relied on

Synonyms

• anchor
• buttress
• dependence
• dependance
• mainstay
• pillar
• standby

Examples of reliance in a Sentence

he's been the family's foremost reliance in times of trouble many times

a baby's reliance on her parents

Recent Examples on the Web

However, heavy reliance on external, particularly Chinese, financing could derail the project. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Meanwhile, there are clear signals that China is using this window not to deepen or even stabilize reliance on the U.S., but to continue reducing it. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 May 2025

April's shakeup in the flow of goods around the world comes as many retailers rethink their supply chains, and some take steps to reduce their reliance on China, with steep levies in place. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 9 May 2025

India has ramped up arms purchases from America and its allies, including France and Israel, while steadily reducing its reliance on Russian weaponry. —Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reliance

• self-reliance

Rhymes for reliance

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• science

Kids Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying

2

: the condition or attitude of one who relies : dependence

3

: something or someone relied on

Legal Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-əns 

1

: the act of relying

reliance on a promise

2

: reliance interest at interest 1