RELYING Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

relying

verb

present participle of rely

as in depending

to place reliance or trust rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives

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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 relying Such control is being investigated as a possible route toward electronics that operate faster than devices relying on conventional voltage switching. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026 In his election night speech, Netanyahu repeated his refusal to create a government relying on Arab parties. — Giovanna Dell'orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Expanding insurance coverage for elective egg freezing, as New York state is exploring, as opposed to relying on employer subsidies which perpetuate inequities and the administrative burden on self-paying patients, is a critical step. — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026 Big, bouncy hair is back, and rollers are returning as a way to build volume without relying entirely on a curling iron. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026 If night sweats repeatedly interrupt your sleep, Harris recommends discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider rather than relying on a schedule change alone. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026 But as more consumers use platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude for financial guidance, experts say people should understand the difference between using AI to learn about money and relying on it to make important financial decisions. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Escolastico’s household outside Allentown, Pennsylvania, is relying solely on her husband’s income. — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relying

Verb

The insurance bill for the restaurant varies by month, depending on the claims employees file.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
The program would restrict the price of qualifying homes, depending on the county where someone is trying to buy.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of depending

Verb

Campbell and the Thunderbolts weren’t interested in a repeat performance when counting down the days to the rare back-to-back matchup.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Investors are now counting down to Oracle's investor day, where investors will want to see if the company can back its fiscal year 2030 revenue targets and if the margin profile of its cloud deals has changed due to the rising cost of capital.

— Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of counting

Verb

Each pointer prompted a new question, Miller leaning close to the screen for nearly 20 minutes of extra preparation.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
The cost figures draw on the Family Budget Calculator developed by the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute from federal data on rents, food costs and consumer spending, with The Post’s own health care estimates.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of leaning

Browse Nearby Words

rely

relying

relying (on)

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“Relying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relying. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of relying

verb

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