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
Hunting mammoths would likely have resulted in a flexible way of life, enabling Clovis groups to move into new areas without having to rely on smaller mammals—the availability of which could vary significantly between regions.
—
Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Social Security mostly relies on payroll taxes paid by both workers and their employers for funding, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
In parts of the U.S. that rely on snowpack for water, such as the Mountain West, the implications of both Mankin’s and Akinsanola’s papers are about water security.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024
If confirmed, Isaacman would oversee a $25 billion agency focused on returning humans to the moon, an effort that will rely on SpaceX’s Starship.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rely 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Social Security mostly relies on payroll taxes paid by both workers and their employers for funding, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
In parts of the U.S. that rely on snowpack for water, such as the Mountain West, the implications of both Mankin’s and Akinsanola’s papers are about water security.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024
If confirmed, Isaacman would oversee a $25 billion agency focused on returning humans to the moon, an effort that will rely on SpaceX’s Starship.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rely
Dictionary Entries Near rely
Cite this Entry
“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 9 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share