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
New integration significantly improved system performance and efficiency Another major breakthrough of the project involved running the blockchain directly inside a microprocessor system-on-chip rather than relying solely on external software.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
The National Republican Congressional Committee typically stays out of primaries, but a decision to stay out of a member-versus-member general contest would leave the candidates to rely solely on their own fundraising abilities.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
In Japan, which relies on the Middle East for about 90% of its oil imports, the surge in crude prices combined with a weak yen raises the risk of stagflation.
—Erica Yokoyama, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Muller said Implats, which relies on Zimbabwe for more than one third of its annual output, accepts the idea of the retention rule but noted that problems arise when the central bank cannot deliver the converted local currency on demand to pay wages, suppliers and other domestic expenses.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rely
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
The National Republican Congressional Committee typically stays out of primaries, but a decision to stay out of a member-versus-member general contest would leave the candidates to rely solely on their own fundraising abilities.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
In Japan, which relies on the Middle East for about 90% of its oil imports, the surge in crude prices combined with a weak yen raises the risk of stagflation.
—Erica Yokoyama, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Muller said Implats, which relies on Zimbabwe for more than one third of its annual output, accepts the idea of the retention rule but noted that problems arise when the central bank cannot deliver the converted local currency on demand to pay wages, suppliers and other domestic expenses.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 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 14 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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