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

Jaffery said that the Latino population relies heavily on corn masa products in their daily diet rather than flour and other grain products that are enriched with folic acid. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado january 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Nikola Tesla’s bladeless turbine design relies on viscous drag rather than traditional blades to generate rotational motion. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026

Insulation still matters at this price point—some coats use down while others rely on high-performing synthetic fills that are often easier (and cheaper) to maintain. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026

Many phishing scams no longer rely on obvious fake emails. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 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