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

Parents are naming guardians for their children in case they are detained or deported, while others have stopped working, shopping or even leaving home, relying instead on neighbors and churches. — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Pallister’s process, not relying on hope as a strategy, is working. — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Native, drought-resistant plants reduce irrigation needs, while solar panels help the property rely less on traditional energy sources. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

To convey those sensory elements, the perfume house began by marrying cherry and davana, then leaned into fractionated patchouli oil and relied on black violet notes for their depth. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 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