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

Instead, artists rely on the exposure to boost music sales, streaming numbers, and future touring revenue. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025

Second unit Mosley relied on five reserves: Anthony Black, rookie Tristan da Silva, Gary Harris, Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025

Millions of people around the world rely on life-saving aid from USAID. —ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025

At some point, funding delays could really start to hit the patients and families that rely on these community centers. —Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 8 Feb. 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

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