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

• depend
• count

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

Rhonda, a former attorney, takes a by-the-book approach to solving crimes, while teenage Baby relies on her street smarts. —Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 21 Aug. 2025

The organization is now working to raise private donations to help support more than 150 refugees in Middle Tennessee that are currently relying on federal funds for food, housing and transportation. —Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025

Advancement teams that rely on outdated engagement models will struggle to win their support. —Tal Frankfurt, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 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