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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:

That’s a level often viewed as fairly valued, although PEG ratios rely heavily on forecasted growth, which is based on Wall Street estimates and can be misleading at times.

From MarketWatch Aug. 4, 2026

Future stock gains could rely heavily on its cloud-computing business’s continued success.

From Barron's Aug. 4, 2026

On the Rhine, more than 800 miles northwest of where the Viking Ullur ran aground, a closely watched water-level gauge is delivering a daily dose of pain to industrial companies that rely on the waterway.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 3, 2026

But others rely on brokers in Gaza who charge high fees to convert electronic transfers into cash.

From BBC Aug. 3, 2026

“The margin of error would almost disappear if we didn’t have to rely so much on a Glitcher’s intuition. Which I hear you have a particular knack for, Cadet Fitz.”

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Now imagine you’re a stock or commodities trader who relies on high-speed deals to make a living.

From Slate Aug. 3, 2026

Gasification normally relies on intense heat to break materials apart and convert them into gases, making it highly energy intensive.

From Science Daily Jul. 31, 2026

The goal to prevent a traffic meltdown during the Olympics relies heavily on an even greater operation.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 31, 2026

Despite that success the industry still relies on varieties that are imported from California, Florida, Italy and Spain, as no one in India has developed a domestic plant.

From BBC Jul. 30, 2026

“Yes, but it relies heavily on spirits. What if he’s cautious?”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Partners relied on federal, state, county and city funding and grants and sought private donations in an effort spearheaded by First 5 Solano.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 4, 2026

For three or four days, employees relied on manual workarounds to keep operations moving, forcing Hasbro to delay its first-quarter earnings.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 3, 2026

Having completed the takeover only months before the start of the season, they have relied on ECB to deliver operational aspects, including ticketing.

From BBC Aug. 3, 2026

And the EPA has relied on these findings for decades, including during the first Trump administration and other Republican administrations.

From Slate Aug. 2, 2026

So they relied completely upon cavalry, since for possessing only a reasonable number of horsemen they were provided for and honoured.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Aramco said it maintained business continuity during the disruption by relying on its East-West Pipeline, storage capacity and export terminals, allowing it to sustain production and exports.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 4, 2026

Meta, meanwhile, has been relying on debt to fund new data centers in Louisiana and Texas, and that debt is getting more expensive.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 30, 2026

Rather than relying on one gene to determine leaf shape, evolution appears to modify different parts of a larger genetic network.

From Science Daily Jul. 30, 2026

Saudi Arabia began relying more on its Red Sea route after the Strait of Hormuz closed amid the war in Iran.

From MarketWatch Jul. 29, 2026

Fed by neither streams nor springs, the lake was often filthy and algaed, relying on fickle prairie rains for replenishment.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien




Vocabulary lists containing rely


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