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

• anchor
• buttress
• dependence
• dependance
• mainstay
• pillar
• standby

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

However, the broader push to localize semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains aligns with long-term industry trends. —John Buckingham, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

The district staff is still working to reduce reliance on costly contractors, fill vacancies, complete training and upgrade its data management software, among other tasks. —Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Dec. 2024

This staggering economic reliance highlights the former regime's transformation of Syria into a narco-state, where high-ranking officials, including Assad's own brother, Maher al-Assad, reportedly managed the drug's production and global distribution. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Is the reliance on Kulusevski and Solanke becoming a problem? —Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reliance

• self-reliance

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