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

• 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

Generation X was the first to cope without ubiquitous workplace pensions, relying instead on a new savings tool called the 401(k). —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025

The family is now relying on a GoFundMe campaign to pay for groceries and bills. —Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025

To achieve this, the researchers relied on integrated photonics, a technology already powering telecommunications and medical devices. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025

Europe has historically relied more heavily on venture funds and corporate investors. —Aman Ghei, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025

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