reliant

adjective

re·​li·​ant ri-ˈlī-ənt 

: having reliance on something or someone : dependent

reliantly adverb

Examples of reliant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The effects of the Iran war have been particularly damaging for regions that are heavily reliant on energy imports, such as East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where farmers have felt the pressure of rising fertilizer and fuel costs. — Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

But prediction markets hardly seemed reliant on preelection polls in the 2024 presidential election. — W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Rising prices are of particular concern for those households reliant on heating oil. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

In other words, his 40-goal breakout wasn’t reliant on a fluky, sky-high shooting percentage bender; his one-of-one ability to manufacture shots gives him a very high floor as a goal scorer. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reliant

• self-reliant

Rhymes for reliant

• client
• giant
• pliant
• scient
• compliant
• defiant
• suppliant
• noncompliant

Kids Definition

reliant

adjective

re·​li·​ant ri-ˈlī-ənt 

: having reliance on something or someone : trusting

reliant on the family for news

reliantly adverb