rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
relied; relying
Synonyms of rely

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 How to pronounce rely (audio)
noun

Synonyms of rely

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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
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.
More efficient micro-LED transmitters could eventually help data centers increase communication speeds without relying exclusively on power-hungry lasers. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026 Vang, who has vowed not to accept corporate donations, has relied on a grassroots approach with door-to-door canvassing and events to build her support. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 How to tell if your Botox stopped working No commercial test exists for antibodies against cosmetic neuromodulators, so patients and providers rely on observation. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026 Rather than rely on clues that are quietly assembled off the page or inside the mind of a detective like Sherlock Holmes, Christie’s readers are always presented with all the facts needed to solve the case. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rely

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rely was in 1574

Phrases Containing rely

Rhymes for rely

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Browse Nearby Words

relumine
rely
rely on/upon
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Cite this Entry

“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rely

verb
re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
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
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