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Definitions

rely

[ri-lahy] / rɪˈlaɪ /


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for rely?
The closest synonym for rely in many contexts is depend. Rely is often used in the verb phrase rely on, and the phrases depend on and count on often mean the same thing. Saying that you rely on a person suggests an element of confidence or trust—it means that you know you can depend on them without them letting you down. In this sense, a person or thing on which you rely can be described as reliable or dependable. Saying that an outcome relies on something means that it’s necessary for the outcome to happen, as in Our success will rely on preparation and a little bit of luck. The phrases hinge on and rest on can be used in the same way.
Are rely and support synonyms?
Rely and support are often used in the same contexts, but they aren’t synonyms. Instead, they’re more like the two different ends of the same interaction: typically, if you’re relying on someone, they’re supporting you. The support is what’s being relied on.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It is unacceptable that a public institution already so clouded in secrecy either chooses to or must rely on a private consulting firm.

From Slate Jul. 15, 2026

Theaters rely heavily on such films to drive traffic to their screens, the states said.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 14, 2026

In contrast Li, who has no big online following, can "only rely on calling out to people on the street to get customers".

From Barron's Jul. 13, 2026

The report's authors found the single largest driver of the so-called poverty premium was food shopping, with 39% of families forced to rely on local convenience stores instead of larger supermarkets with more competitive pricing.

From BBC Jul. 12, 2026

I felt determined to help her somehow, to relieve her anguish and to show her she could rely on me; but, as her youngest child, I doubt my reassurances gave her much confidence.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson

AST SpaceMobile is developing a space-based cellular broadband network that relies on putting new satellites in orbit.

From MarketWatch Jul. 16, 2026

During post-training—when the model is taught how to behave—Thinking Machines used a combination of distillation, which relies on other AI models, and its own reinforcement learning process.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 15, 2026

Gibraltar is home to only about 40,000 people but relies on some 15,500 workers who cross from Spain every day -- nearly half its workforce.

From Barron's Jul. 15, 2026

The system relies on a non destructive, controlled release adhesive that attaches without requiring built in mounting hardware.

From Science Daily Jul. 15, 2026

Like an actor with a wooden delivery, a writer who relies on canned verbal formulas will break the spell.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

The partnership at its height included billions in US financing flowing to the South Asian nation, which Washington relied on for military supply routes and counterterrorism cooperation.

From Barron's Jul. 17, 2026

But perhaps most saliently, the whole incident brought to light just how much the Supreme Court had relied on this particular security firm in the past.

From Slate Jul. 15, 2026

A federal suit alleges that the company relied on a “constellation” of internal AI systems—which weighed metrics like productivity, output and token usage—to conduct its mass layoffs in May.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 15, 2026

Fish and Wildlife Service had not relied on the best scientific and commercial data available in adding the lizard to the list.

From Salon Jul. 15, 2026

He had dialed out the combination many times; he relied on it greatly.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Co-author Dr. Charlotte Mills, University of Reading, explained that the findings point to new ways of improving how the body processes nitrate without relying on long-term sugar consumption.

From Science Daily Jul. 15, 2026

That might suggest England are relying too heavily on Bellingham and Kane, but equally shows how their two key players are in the form of their lives.

From BBC Jul. 15, 2026

But financial advisers warn that relying too much on AI agents can lead to overtrading.

From MarketWatch Jul. 14, 2026

Progress in reducing the workforce has so far been slow, with the company relying on early retirement programs and voluntary layoffs to keep peace with the union.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 13, 2026

Instead of living in concert with the land, instead of relying on the country for sustenance as the natives did, he attempted to insulate himself from the northern environment with ill-suited military tools and traditions.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer




Vocabulary lists containing rely


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