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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:

Satellites near Earth commonly rely on GPS for navigation, but those signals may be weak, unreliable, or unavailable around the Moon and in deep space.

From Science Daily Aug. 26, 2026

But Vietnam imports far fewer goods from the U.S.—just as Americans increasingly rely on the Southeast Asian country to keep the price of their electronics, furniture and sneakers low.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 26, 2026

Many of these programs rely heavily or exclusively on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 26, 2026

He is not necessarily the midfielder United would rely on to dictate possession.

From BBC Aug. 25, 2026

She understands that when push comes to shove, literally or otherwise, that she must rely on other people being good and doing the right thing.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

The country is particularly exposed because it relies heavily on imported fuel, making consumers and businesses vulnerable to higher oil and electricity costs.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 27, 2026

Cindy Baldassi relies on American buyers to keep her stone-and-glass jewellery company going.

From BBC Aug. 24, 2026

One method for producing millimeter waves relies on a device known as a microcomb.

From Science Daily Aug. 24, 2026

Silent performance can be an actor’s dream and a real challenge, since it relies on physical performances and visual execution to communicate with the audience.

From Salon Aug. 22, 2026

“Seeing that your safe delivery to Kiel relies upon me, sir, perhaps you should have a bit more compassion for a fellow comrade. I will remember this.”

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

The simulations relied on detailed maps of elevation and temperature generated from data collected by instruments aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, along with models showing how radiation reaches the lunar surface.

From Science Daily Aug. 25, 2026

For years Julie-Ann Walkden had relied on pills and injections to cope with chronic pain, but it was an understanding of what was going on that helped her get her life back.

From BBC Aug. 23, 2026

To catch up in the era of generative AI, Chinese companies have relied on the familiar mix of ingenuity and imitation that also lies behind the nation’s successes in electronics, cars and green energy.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 21, 2026

Since Tesla unveiled its first ride-hailing operation last year, the company has relied on Model Y electric vehicles to carry out trips.

From MarketWatch Aug. 21, 2026

His financial patronage of teams and players could always be relied upon, and he was the sponsor of many chess events, some major.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Dark Stars are hypothetical primordial stars that would receive much of their energy from heating associated with dark matter instead of relying primarily on ordinary nuclear fusion.

From Science Daily Aug. 27, 2026

That gives Tehran an obvious date to watch, but relying on American elections is a gamble.

From BBC Aug. 25, 2026

He sees it as akin to relying on a speechwriter or a calculator.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 25, 2026

If you have siblings, you should have an estate-planning attorney review your mother’s estate plan to make sure the property will pass to you as intended, rather than relying on a promise.

From MarketWatch Aug. 25, 2026

No relying on knots to fasten my tiny quilt stitches into place.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson




Vocabulary lists containing rely


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