relied; relying
1
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water
2
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
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
Musk's businesses, including Tesla and rocket-maker SpaceX, rely heavily on government contracts, subsidies and policies.
—
Peter Eisler, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
Unlike standard toaster ovens, both air fryer ovens and basket-style air fryers rely on a combination of high heat and convection (moving hot air around with a fan) to crisp up your food.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2025
Even with a large consumer base at home, German companies rely on foreign markets for sales growth.
—Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
But some of its stores now slated to close have been losing money for years, and the potential bankruptcy, which is expected to kick off in March, would rely on a qualified buyer purchasing its remaining stores, according to Bloomberg News.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rely 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Peter Eisler, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
Unlike standard toaster ovens, both air fryer ovens and basket-style air fryers rely on a combination of high heat and convection (moving hot air around with a fan) to crisp up your food.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2025
Even with a large consumer base at home, German companies rely on foreign markets for sales growth.
—Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
But some of its stores now slated to close have been losing money for years, and the potential bankruptcy, which is expected to kick off in March, would rely on a qualified buyer purchasing its remaining stores, according to Bloomberg News.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rely
Dictionary Entries Near rely
Cite this Entry
“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share