as in depending
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
Relevance
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 relying
Understanding past oil shocks is important, but relying on them too heavily can encourage the wrong conclusion — that we are either headed for a 1979-style crisis or that the economic consequences will be negligible.
—
Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Hernandez is a throwback player in many ways, relying on a mid-range game of pull-up jumpers and fadeaways.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
What’s most gratifying is the extent to which the filmmakers sought practical solutions and physical sets rather than relying solely on the digital toolbox or flattening the action with endless green-screen sequences.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Supporters of the measure say Operation Metro Surge has left renters out of work and relying on mutual aid networks.
—Aki Nace, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
In these areas, the Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests relying on its Frost Date Calculator and standard planting windows, while still staying alert to local variability in weather forecasts.
—Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
Roth, though, cautioned investors against relying too much on that comparison.
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Managers can track patterns instead of relying on occasional observations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Sourdough undergoes natural fermentation rather than relying on additives found in baker's yeast.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 Mar. 2026
Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Hernandez is a throwback player in many ways, relying on a mid-range game of pull-up jumpers and fadeaways.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
What’s most gratifying is the extent to which the filmmakers sought practical solutions and physical sets rather than relying solely on the digital toolbox or flattening the action with endless green-screen sequences.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Supporters of the measure say Operation Metro Surge has left renters out of work and relying on mutual aid networks.
—Aki Nace, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
In these areas, the Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests relying on its Frost Date Calculator and standard planting windows, while still staying alert to local variability in weather forecasts.
—Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
Roth, though, cautioned investors against relying too much on that comparison.
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Managers can track patterns instead of relying on occasional observations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Sourdough undergoes natural fermentation rather than relying on additives found in baker's yeast.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relying
Verb
-
All new data centers connecting to the grid must now provide dispatchable power — electricity that can be turned on or off depending on the national grid’s needs — or have the capacity to store energy.—
April Roach,Gaelle Legrand,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The high costs are likely only temporary, depending primarily on the longevity of the conflict in the Middle East.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Officials were still counting the votes Sunday and final results were expected later in the week.—
Binaj Gurubacharya,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Her next step is to get the album ready and start rehearsing major shows in Spain, where fans have been counting down.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That was a major downgrade from his current district, which swallows up right-leaning eastern San Diego County and the conservative pockets of Temecula and Murrieta.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
This Jason Wu maxi dress is ideal for brides who are leaning into minimalist tones and luxurious textures.—
Alexandra Ditch,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relying. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
