reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying : the state of being reliant

2

: something or someone relied on

Synonyms of reliance

• anchor
• backbone
• dependence
• pillar

Examples of reliance in a Sentence

he's been the family's foremost reliance in times of trouble many times

a baby's reliance on her parents

Recent Examples on the Web

Kratom poisonings are probably underestimated due to the reliance on self-reports and because of insufficient testing, the study researchers and other experts agreed. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

There are other vulnerabilities, too, such as our reliance on desalination. —Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Hezbollah’s degradation over the past three years has increased its reliance on Tehran, but analysts disagree as to the extent. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026

Ultra-fast fashion and a growing reliance on virgin polyester were among the factors behind the increase. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reliance

• self-reliance

Rhymes for reliance

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• science

Kids Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of relying

2

: the condition or attitude of one who relies : dependence

3

: something or someone relied on

Legal Definition

reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-əns 

1

: the act of relying

reliance on a promise

2

: reliance interest at interest 1