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

• calculate
• count
• depend
• lean
• reckon

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

Will people rely too much on AI assistants to get through the day? —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025

UnitedHealth Group's deepening problems are affecting the company's executives, investors, and the tens of millions of people who rely on it for health insurance and medical care. —Maria Aspan, NPR, 16 May 2025

With cost trends rising, risk adjustment volatility increasing, and regulatory scrutiny intensifying, insurers can no longer rely on pure enrollment growth to drive profits. —Seth Joseph, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Additionally, Indianapolis can no longer rely on Dayo Odeyingbo in the trenches. —James Boyd, New York Times, 16 May 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