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

• calculate
• count
• depend
• lean
• reckon

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 egg prices have stabilized this year, recalls like this can cause temporary disruptions for consumers who rely on liquid egg products as a grocery staple. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Her organization relies on surviving families and departments to report the deaths to First H.E.L.P. —Rosa Flores, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025

Both players struggled last season, and LeMahieu's recent injury proves the Yankees cannot rely on him. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025

For years, Rodón relied almost exclusively on two pitches: fastball and slider. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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