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

The event, co-sponsored by Loyola Marymount University and the Skirball Cultural Center, served as something of a political debut for Pratt, who launched his campaign on the one-year anniversary of the fire but since then has relied heavily on social media to get his message out. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

Right-hander Huascar Brazobán has once again been relied on heavily early in the season, something that led to poor results from him in the middle of last year. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026

All season long, the Wolves have relied on their resilience to bounce back from embarrassing defeats. —Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 7 May 2026

Prices are updated, but the app relies on users to report prices, meaning some displayed in the app may be days old. —Jeff A. Chamer may 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 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