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

While some businesses relying on summer traffic have been forced to temporarily close their doors, others refuse to let the smoke alter their plans. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Kessler argued that the court should not rely on the states’ statistics for market concentration, noting that subscribers to basic cable are dwindling. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 July 2026

And the more powerful the technology becomes, the less the public should have to rely on voluntary promises alone. — Jesse Rothman, Boston Herald, 17 July 2026

Nigeria has relied heavily on oil produced in the Niger Delta since the 1960s, with crude sales making up around 90% of foreign exchange earnings. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 17 July 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