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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:

However, conventional lidar sensors are often large and costly, and many rely on moving components that can wear out over time.

From Science Daily Jul. 22, 2026

Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be put into remission by eating a healthy diet and keeping slim without needing to rely on glucose-lowering medications.

From BBC Jul. 22, 2026

They’ve tried to rely on it less, with some success.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 21, 2026

That nonpartisan reputation is crucial to why global investors and policymakers rely upon it so much.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 20, 2026

We can’t even rely on the sky—a canopy of branches and leaves block the sunlight.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

The plot, such as it is, relies on the quartet visiting other worlds.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 22, 2026

Government spending on homelessness, which relies largely on nonprofits to operate shelters and other housing sites around L.A.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 22, 2026

Of the company’s named targets for the first half of 2026, only Las Vegas and Phoenix are not yet home to Tesla’s robotaxi network, which mostly relies on Model Y SUVs.

From MarketWatch Jul. 21, 2026

The water company, which relies on reservoirs to supply homes, said levels at Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex had dropped to where its drought plan stated it needed to introduce restrictions.

From BBC Jul. 20, 2026

Given that this book relies in part on hindsight, many historians will feel justified in condemning it as an example of Whig history.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Once the race started, Kerr relied on two pacesetting runners, and a system called Wavelight.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 22, 2026

His attorneys have since appealed both the convictions and the sentence, arguing the judge improperly relied on allegations connected to charges for which he was acquitted when determining his punishment.

From MarketWatch Jul. 20, 2026

Complete skeletons are uncommon in the fossil record, so the researchers relied on much smaller clues: teeth and pieces of jaw.

From Science Daily Jul. 19, 2026

After a tournament where England's attack relied almost exclusively on Kane - he has six goals along with Jude Bellingham - what are they going to do when their all-time record goalscorer retires?

From BBC Jul. 18, 2026

She remembered all the times she, Luke, and Thalia had relied on highway rest stops when they were homeless demigods, trying to survive.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh told Wall Street in June to stop relying on the central bank to telegraph its every move in advance.

From MarketWatch Jul. 22, 2026

But he ably defends Alys from a group of invaders, relying on muscle memory and — perhaps — a sense of honor to pay her back for saving his life.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 20, 2026

Rather than relying on one sound, he moved between genres without ever losing the crowd.

From BBC Jul. 19, 2026

That, together with continued resilience in exports and industrial production, suggests the central bank can maintain a measured monetary-policy approach while relying on targeted fiscal support to bolster growth.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 17, 2026

DRACO: So now we’re relying on Muggles to find our children?

From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling




Vocabulary lists containing rely


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