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

The district also wants to reduce its reliance on substitutes while building a better pipeline for future certified teachers. — Samuel O’Neal 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

But this reliance on Moscow makes India a target for Washington’s fresh sanctions that propose 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil unless peace is made with Ukraine by September. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 July 2026

This approach cultivates multiple income streams, significantly bolstering career security and lessening reliance on a single employer. — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries are actively pursuing overland pipeline projects to transport oil and reduce reliance on maritime routes, but construction could take years. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 July 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