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

The concept of growing sod on plastic is one the NFL has really relied on quite heavily to be able to have the level of quality and the ability to turn around and replace a field midseason. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has relied on the Red Sea route since the Iran conflict effectively closed Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil used to flow. — Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

That makes the potential financial exposure worth considering for owners of larger vehicles, particularly those with higher mileage or who rely on their truck or SUV for work or daily transportation. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

Instead of relying on rich oils or heavy butter, Romito uses waters, extractions, and natural juices to amplify flavor. — Joel Hart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 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