reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce reliance (audio)
Synonyms of reliance
1
: the act of relying : the state of being reliant
2
: something or someone relied on

Synonyms of reliance

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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
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.
Tehran has called on countries in the region to remove US bases and end their reliance on Washington for defense. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 And of course, in an era where data and technology sovereignty are both increasingly important, developing space sovereign capability is a prudent hedge against over-reliance on partners whose strategic visions may not always align with one’s own. — Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Washington wants access to Brazil’s vast trove of rare earths to reduce its defense industry’s reliance on China. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 African policymakers are keen to expand access to their capital markets to attract more foreign investment into companies and mobilize domestic capital to reduce their reliance on costly foreign financing. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reliance

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliance was in 1606

Phrases Containing reliance

Rhymes for reliance

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Browse Nearby Words

reliably
reliance
reliant
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Cite this Entry

“Reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reliance

noun
re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce reliance (audio)
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 How to pronounce reliance (audio)
1
: the act of relying
reliance on a promise
2
: reliance interest at interest 1

More from Merriam-Webster on reliance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reliance

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