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

The government’s monthslong internet shutdown also strangled parts of the economy – especially those with foreign clients – that relied on the world wide web. — Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Some people, Johnston added, have medical alert devices, smoke alarms and home alarm systems that rely on the copper networks to work. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Their findings, published in Science Advances, show that the material itself can generate these effects without relying on complex artificial platforms. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

The world’s leading companies rely on Dataiku to operationalize AI and run it as a true business performance engine delivering measurable value. — Forbes.com, 10 July 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