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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:

Approximately one-third of Americans say they expect to rely solely on Social Security in retirement.

From MarketWatch Jul. 23, 2026

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

The new guidance could further hurt large universities that rely on federal research funding.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 21, 2026

To continue the war with any hope of victory, Washington would have to rely more on his spies than on his soldiers.

From "George Washington, Spymaster" by Thomas B. Allen

I’ve seen Verdi’s “Falstaff,” which heavily relies on Shakespeare’s plot for the opera, more times than I’ve seen the play.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 23, 2026

Richemont’s stock relies heavily on its jewelry brands.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 22, 2026

Rais Vohra, medical director of the state poison control system, said the reported bites may not represent all snakebites because the agency relies on voluntary reporting from the public and healthcare professionals.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 21, 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

“Oh, no! It’s just...it’s not simple. It relies on a...Voortman helix. That is...mazzlicated...by the use of...frondings.”

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

In her verdict, Judge AN Tse Ching relied in part on the messages exchanged after the encounter, according to the South China Morning Post, external.

From BBC Jul. 22, 2026

Households in India have long relied on an informal army of domestic workers to mop floors, wash dishes and cook meals.

From Barron's Jul. 22, 2026

In Europe, where farmers replaced cotton with other crops centuries ago, countries have long relied on China for linters, and for manufactured guncotton.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 20, 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

They relied on local Indigenous people to help them find necessities such as water and medicinal herbs.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

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

"Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world's best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States," he said in a statement.

From Barron's Jul. 22, 2026

"I live day by day and hope for the best, because it's the only way you can be when you're relying on Universal Credit."

From BBC Jul. 18, 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

Some people make it by dripping water through a filter containing coffee grounds: they are relying on gravity.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton




Vocabulary lists containing rely


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