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

As for the myth, Rollo-Koster said eras in history when people relied on prophecies reveal a lack of control about their lives and deaths. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025

Instead, Sweden will rely on a trio of Samuel Ersson, Arvid Soderblom and Arvid Holm. —Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 3 May 2025

But much of Berkshire Hathaway’s investment value relies on Apple, which was valued at nearly $70 billion as of the end of September 2024, according to Berkshire’s third-quarter earnings report. —Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 3 May 2025

Small businesses can improve compliance by relying on technology, including artificial intelligence, or AI. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 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