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.

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

From Literature

They didn’t have to rely on the main roads, either; their loggers knew the network of private roads they’d built through the trees.

From Literature

That would pile on the frustration for economists, investors and policymakers who rely on the regular cadence of data releases to understand the state of the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead of relying on longstanding survey methods to predict opening-weekend turnouts, theater owners are putting more weight on presales, the tickets people buy to reserve seats sometimes weeks in advance.

From The Wall Street Journal

The team behind NASA's six-wheeled Mars explorer tested a vision-enabled artificial intelligence system to map a safe route across the Martian surface without relying on human route planners.

From Science Daily

rely

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

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