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 broader vision is distributed manufacturing of complex electronic and electromechanical systems, reducing reliance on global supply chains. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026

That approach cuts the costs of medicines, creates local jobs, and instills reliance to better cope with global shocks. —Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026

If the primary objective of the trade policy was to reduce American reliance on Chinese manufacturing, the banking giant’s data suggests the strategy is working. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026

The distribution business faces challenges despite fewer new originals launching, which could mean a greater reliance on acquisitions. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reliance

• self-reliance

Rhymes for reliance

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

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