relied; relying
1
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water
2
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
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
Modern battlefields are becoming increasingly complex, with adversaries relying heavily on advanced radar systems, communications networks, and electronic countermeasures.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
If Leonard is unavailable or on a minutes restriction for any stretch of games, the Clippers will rely on guards Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin to lead the offense.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
From his cell nearly 20 years ago, James Duckett watched as the world searched for his missing 2-year-old grandson, Trenton Duckett, and relied on family visitors and a prison chaplain to keep him updated.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
Externally, the Broncos’ lack of activity gives the impression of an organization that is relying fully on its Payton-era foundation for a Super Bowl leap, for better or for worse.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rely
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
If Leonard is unavailable or on a minutes restriction for any stretch of games, the Clippers will rely on guards Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin to lead the offense.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
From his cell nearly 20 years ago, James Duckett watched as the world searched for his missing 2-year-old grandson, Trenton Duckett, and relied on family visitors and a prison chaplain to keep him updated.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
Externally, the Broncos’ lack of activity gives the impression of an organization that is relying fully on its Payton-era foundation for a Super Bowl leap, for better or for worse.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rely
Cite this Entry
“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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