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

Manufacturers rely on intricate, transnational webs of production. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025

But the Mets rely on the depth of their lineup instead of one hitter. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025

People with autism rely heavily on both special education and Medicaid, but the Trump Administration has vowed to get rid of the DOE, and Congress may have to consider cutting Medicaid funding to pay for tax cuts. —Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Apr. 2025

She was seen relying on interpreters or speaking in English during a G7 lunch and a a visit to France that summer. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 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