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Definitions

rely

[ri-lahy] / rɪˈlaɪ /
VERB
have confidence in
Synonyms
STRONG
await bank bet build calculate commit confide count depend entrust expect hope lean look reckon trust
WEAK
be confident of be sure of believe in bet bottom dollar on gamble on have faith in lay money on ride on coattails swear by
Antonyms
STRONG
disbelieve disregard ignore keep straighten
WEAK
be independent distrust doubt

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.

Mistakes piled up for a defense that was relying on inexperienced players at every level.

From Los Angeles Times

The country will likely rely more on reserve forces and cheaper equipment like drones, many defense analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Emma said it was a "horrible thought" to have had her baby growing while she had cancer, adding that the second diagnosis felt different because she now had children "relying on me to be alive".

From BBC

Collection methods vary across the hundreds of prices that the BLS tracks, but the agency largely relies on surveys and in-person price checks to calculate the inflation rate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Our planet relies on a sophisticated global system that combines atomic clocks, GPS satellites, and ultra-fast communication networks to keep everything in sync.

From Science Daily

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.