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

Rather than relying solely on movement around the pool, the navigation system is intended to help the cleaner cover surfaces more methodically, reducing the amount of manual intervention required. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

The addition expands the vehicle’s ability to reach demanding orbital destinations without relying on additional spacecraft propulsion. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

Some of Thursday's gains may be due to the fact that Cardinal is not a tech stock, as money again flows out of AI trade winners and investors look to buy companies that don't rely on the data center boom to beat expectations. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Previously, the marathon relied on a core of three full-time workers, supplemented by contractors and other production partners. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 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