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

Instead of just relying on the network’s standard correspondents, the network’s broadcast seemed to lean equally on Free Press favorites and proponents for Iran strikes. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026

This relatively low price reflects a broader strategy known as affordable mass, in which militaries field large numbers of cheaper weapons rather than relying solely on high-end systems. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026

But like many other teachers, Ashley relies on a side hustle or two to get by. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026

But for all of California’s reputation as a climate champion, most of its homes don’t rely on electric heat. —Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 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