reliance

noun

ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce reliance (audio)
Definition of reliancenext
1
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support he's been the family's foremost reliance in times of trouble many times

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in dependency
the quality or state of needing something or someone a baby's reliance on her parents his reliance on his next-door neighbor for all the local gossip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of reliance Analysts blame the brand’s reliance on Chuck Taylors and question whether Nike might sell it, though Nike says Converse remains an important part of its portfolio. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 But beyond the usual formats, brands took the opportunity to open standalone stores, test pop-up retail and reconsider their reliance on showrooms to reach wholesale buyers. — Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 This latest incident underscores the potentially existential stakes for some countries of their reliance on private corporations for low Earth orbit telecommunications. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 The framework’s reliance on bilateral discussions also weakens the idea that Europe’s defense ought to be a collective NATO effort. — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reliance
  1. anchor
  2. dependency
  3. backbone
  4. dependence
  5. pillar
Noun
  • Consistent with their hypothesis, the secretion signal helps transfer the enzyme out of the cell, while the lipid anchor holds it near the cell surface.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • But despite this, they were still conceived of as being located within the mounds themselves, real-world anchors for these strange, marvelous realms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of anchor
Noun
  • The story also touches on the complex relationships between men, namely the dynamics of dominance, dependency, and betrayal.
    — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
  • What are those more nuanced conversations about drug dependency going to look like going forward?
    — Max Gao, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dependency
Noun
  • The language that’s known as the backbone of the internet is now subject to what experts describe as one of the most notable vulnerabilities in recent memory.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Stocchetto’s son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment but one that kept the vintage backbone intact, from the brocades and mirrors to the marble floor and dark wood panels.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • Europe relies heavily on US cloud infrastructure, and the Commission is turning concerns about that dependence into measurable requirements.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Officials say preliminary evidence indicates that all three substances are potent and could result in dependence and respiratory depression.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of dependence
Noun
  • Innovation will always be an important pillar of the award, said Christiane Dolva, the philanthropic organization’s head of innovation, research and demonstration.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Dedicated to the god Amun, it is known for its beautiful pillars and intricate carvings.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pillar

Browse Nearby Words

reliableness
reliance
reliances
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reliance. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reliance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reliance

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