rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī 

relied; relying

intransitive verb

1

: to be dependent

the system on which we rely for water

2

: to have confidence based on experience

someone you can rely on

relier

ri-ˈlī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of rely

• depend
• count

Examples of rely in a Sentence

rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives

Recent Examples on the Web

To a shocking degree, the passengers appeared to rely on Motta and Alfortish not just for legal counsel but also for medical advice. —Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

But Ellsworth decided on the ad quickly and without the kind of prolonged testing that larger companies rely on. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026

No country relies more heavily on the strait than China, which receives nearly half of its oil imports through the international waterway. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026

So, instead of relying on air cooling, the use of oil helps remove heat faster, allowing higher output without overheating. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English relien to rally, from Anglo-French relier to retie, gather, rally, from Latin religare to tie out of the way, from re- + ligare to tie — more at ligature

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rely

• rely on/upon

Rhymes for rely

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī 

relied; relying

1

: to have confidence based on experience

someone you can rely on

2

: to be dependent

the system on which we rely for water

Legal Definition

rely

intransitive verb

re·​ly

relied; relying

: to depend with confidence : place faith