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

This is the kind of stretch where the Leafs will need to rely on two goalies. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025

Economic feasibility and future outlook While early studies suggest electric roads may be more economical than relying solely on large EV batteries, long-term feasibility depends on electricity prices, grid upgrade costs, and improvements in battery density. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025

American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. —Harlan Vaughn, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025

All these songs rely on a strong backbeat more than harmonies or guitar solos, for example. —John Lingan, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025

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