reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying : the state of being reliant

2

: something or someone relied on

Synonyms of reliance

• anchor
• backbone
• dependence
• pillar

Examples of reliance in a Sentence

he's been the family's foremost reliance in times of trouble many times

a baby's reliance on her parents

Recent Examples on the Web

Sodium-ion cells can also use aluminum current collectors on both electrodes, potentially reducing their reliance on copper. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

For the last decade and a half, NASA has relied upon Elon Musk’s space company to resupply the International Space Station, end US reliance on Russia for crew transport, and develop a critical piece of the puzzle for beating China back to the Moon. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026

But now, with the two countries in the thick of a trade war, Canada is taking a dramatic step to reduce its reliance on the United States. — Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Canada’s Mark Carney is hosting European Union leaders in Montreal to deepen trade, defense and economic ties as both sides seek to reduce reliance on Washington. — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reliance

• self-reliance

Rhymes for reliance

• science
• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience

Kids Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying

2

: the condition or attitude of one who relies : dependence

3

: something or someone relied on

Legal Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-əns 

1

: the act of relying

reliance on a promise

2

: reliance interest at interest 1