RELY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

rely

verb

ri-ˈlī

Definition of rely

as in to depend

to place reliance or trust rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of rely Russia has repeatedly bombed Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, forcing the country to rely on shipping routes close to the coasts of NATO member states Bulgaria and Romania, as well as on Danube river ports. — Svitlana Vlasova, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Eyeline’s systems rely heavily on proprietary work rather than off-the-shelf generators. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Previous studies relied on paleomagnetism, the study of residual magnetic traces in ancient rocks, since the orientation of those magnetic traces would have varied depending upon where that rock was located relative to Earth's magnetic field. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Marc Fisher Itzia Snake Boot The appeal of reptilian textures lies in their ability to introduce visual interest without relying on color. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rely

Verb

Restaurants, grocery stores and shops depend on deliveries, yet too many commercial corridors lack adequate loading zones.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Social workers, nurses, therapists, and home health aides provide care that depends not simply on technical skill, but on empathy, dignity, and compassion.

— Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of depend

Verb

The new rules would not restrict banks' ability to count housing tax credit investments toward their Community Reinvestment Act obligations, an administration official said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
While international observers initially blamed Moscow, there are now increasing suggestions that Ukrainian state security agencies may have been involved — even though Ukraine counts Germany as one of its closest allies.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026