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

Downtown Sacramento businesses remain skeptical that the state’s July return-to-office mandate affecting roughly 95,000 employees will actually materialize, even as foot traffic sits at 85% of April 2019 levels and local leaders rethink the urban core’s heavy reliance on office space. — Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

Although China’s continued reliance on coal shows that the policy triangle remains in tension, the country is still an example of economic growth, industrial competitiveness and climate policy becoming increasingly aligned. — Sebastian Buckup, Fortune, 23 June 2026

Continued reliance on discounts and other superficial metrics that indicate progress but do not demonstrate ultimate payments received is not sufficient for achieving results. — Bruce Roffe, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Even small, consistent contributions can help build a financial cushion over time and reduce reliance on future paychecks. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 23 June 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