rely

verb

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

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 of rely

Relevance
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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.
Unlike ancient Roman baths that relied on standing pools, Ottoman hammam architecture is defined by fresh, continuous flowing water across heated stone slabs (göbek taşı). — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Newspapers are run by them, public school art and music programs rely on them, as do museums, symphonies, ballets and operas. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 But now that this system is reaching its limits, the regime is preparing to switch back to conscription—this time relying on electronic draft notices that are quieter and can be sent out year-round to thousands of potential conscripts. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 Traditional power plants rely on steam or open gas systems that exhaust their working fluids after a single cycle. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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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