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

Our goal is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone relying on public transportation. —Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025

The three men are all longtime Miami residents who have experienced homelessness and rely on donations to make a living, according to the complaint. —Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025

Oregon relies on freshman Rylee McCoy from Oaks Christian. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025

No matter the product, companies can no longer rely exclusively on manufacturing in a single country. —Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 28 May 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