rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
relied; relying
Synonyms of relynext

intransitive verb

1
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water
2
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
relier
ri-ˈlī(-ə)r How to pronounce rely (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of rely in a Sentence

rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To make things worse, ROAS is built on tracking models that rely heavily on cookies and click paths. — Liam Wade, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, the ministry is the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 Aug. 2025 Difficulty keeping businesses afloat is a challenge across the state, not just in lower-income areas where sites rely on reimbursement from the state child care subsidy. — Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Instead, players rely on a 2d12 (two 12-sided die) system; one die each used for the Hope and Fear mechanic. — Dana Reboe, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rely

Word History

Etymology

Middle English relien to rally, from Anglo-French relier to retie, gather, rally, from Latin religare to tie out of the way, from re- + ligare to tie — more at ligature

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rely was in 1574

Phrases Containing rely

Rhymes for rely

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Browse Nearby Words

relumine
rely
rely on/upon
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Cite this Entry

“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rely

verb
re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
relied; relying
1
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
2
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water

Legal Definition

rely

intransitive verb
re·​ly
relied; relying
: to depend with confidence : place faith

More from Merriam-Webster on rely

Nglish: Translation of rely for Spanish Speakers

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