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
However, relying on a prospect with just eight games of MLB experience — coming off a major surgery— to fulfill such a pivotal role on a team with World Series expectations was likely not the ideal scenario.
—
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 18 July 2024
The vast majority of Emmerich’s work relies on spectacle as a sales point.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 July 2024
In the tumultuous weeks since President Joe Biden's faltering debate performance, the 81-year-old commander-in-chief has resisted calls from within his own party to end his reelection campaign, often relying on assurances from his medical staff to rebuff those who question his fitness for office.
—Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 18 July 2024
Yet the fund Social Security relies on to pay retirement benefits is due to run out sooner, in 2033, when 79% of those benefits will be payable.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rely 
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 18 July 2024
The vast majority of Emmerich’s work relies on spectacle as a sales point.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 July 2024
In the tumultuous weeks since President Joe Biden's faltering debate performance, the 81-year-old commander-in-chief has resisted calls from within his own party to end his reelection campaign, often relying on assurances from his medical staff to rebuff those who question his fitness for office.
—Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 18 July 2024
Yet the fund Social Security relies on to pay retirement benefits is due to run out sooner, in 2033, when 79% of those benefits will be payable.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rely
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rely
Cite this Entry
“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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