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

Unlike motion-capture systems that rely on rigid sensors attached to clothing, the design uses soft components throughout its sensing surface. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

But a decade later, as streamers rely increasingly on acquisitions, co-financing and bundling, producers and distributors — far from becoming obsolete — have had to sharpen their dealmaking skills. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Employees had relied on a complicated Excel model spanning 18 tabs to evaluate customer deals. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

For example, rather than preserving a certain portion of an investment portfolio specifically for heirs, retirees may be able to rely on a life insurance death benefit to provide an inheritance. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Oct. 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