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

How surveillance pricing works Surveillance pricing relies on algorithms that analyze personal information when determining what customers pay. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026

Skinner, who is battling cancer, also relies on Call-A-Ride to get to his own medical appointments. — CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026

The best holiday card deals happening now Walmart offers shoppers affordable options without relying on promotional codes. — ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026

That factored into the punishment of Russell, who said he was confused by the UIL’s Rank One system and relied on misleading advice. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2026

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