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 Iran war exposed just how much the world relied on a narrow 20-mile-wide waterway. — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Courts rely on consistent legal standards to ensure fairness, and businesses rely on those same principles to make investments, hire employees, and plan for the future. — Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026

If Europe can develop the political capacity to do the same, the burden of adjustment will increasingly fall onto the surplus economies, which would have to rely more on domestic demand and less on exports. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Kick the can If Congress fails to act, payments are expected to be 22% lower, which could be devastating for the millions of seniors who rely on their Social Security benefits to pay for basic necessities. — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 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