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

Disruption caused by the Iran war has pushed up oil prices and exposed Africa’s reliance on energy imports which account for around 70% of the continent’s refined fuel needs. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2026

The legal documents say New York is particularly vulnerable because of its large immigrant population, its extensive public benefits programs, universal school meals programs and the state’s reliance on federal Medicaid and SNAP funding. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

The June Aster was bound for the tourist hub of Coron, highlighting the Philippines’ reliance on ferries and a troubled history of deadly sea accidents and lax safety enforcement. — Aaron Favila, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The announcement came days after the Department of Transportation needled automakers over their reliance on Chinese supply chains. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Sep. 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