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

Shoppers typically rely on imports for a large share of electronics, clothing, toys, and home goods. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025

With the nation's longest-running government shutdown now over, Hoosiers who rely on the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program will soon have their benefits restored. —Jake Allen, IndyStar, 15 Nov. 2025

And our leadership role in the technologies of the future that rely on semiconductors is at risk. —Thomas Caulfield, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2025

Birds—especially those that don’t fly south for the winter—come to rely on these food sources as temperatures drop and their once-available food sources become scarce. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 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