reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce reliance (audio)
1
: the act of relying : the state of being reliant
2
: something or someone relied on

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 One potential loophole in the Canadian model lies in its reliance on data-sharing: short-term rental operators that choose non-traditional methods to find boarders may be able to dodge reclassification and the additional tax. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 We will be liberated from our reliance on something as fragile as the cultivation of good faith. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 The war has even ended Moldova’s near-total reliance on Russian gas, albeit at a cost. Christian Edwards, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 Climate and weather experts worldwide say countries must dramatically reduce their reliance on fossil fuels to limit the harmful effects of climate change, which are already being seen at home and across the globe. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reliance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reliance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliance was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near reliance

Cite this Entry

“Reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

reliance

noun
re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce reliance (audio)
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 How to pronounce reliance (audio)
1
: the act of relying
reliance on a promise
2
: reliance interest at interest 1

More from Merriam-Webster on reliance

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