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.

No vaccine or approved treatment is available against the Bundibugyo strain of the virus and efforts to contain its spread rely mainly on preventative measures.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

Many of the country's rebel groups rely on mining precious minerals to fund their campaigns, with lax safety measures making mine collapses and other accidents common, according to AFP.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Ships can’t see one another or locate themselves on electronic charts, and instead rely on radar to navigate, which is reliable but requires an experienced person at the helm, seafarers said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Because plankton rely on nitrate to grow, lower nutrient levels could reduce the amount of life the Arctic ecosystem can sustain.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

Not only that, but she felt Simon had proven himself someone whom she could trust and rely upon to help think things through.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

rely

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing rely

Because of Winn-Dixie

Ancient Egypt and Kush, Lessons 1–3

Thirteen Reasons Why

rely

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing rely

Because of Winn-Dixie

Ancient Egypt and Kush, Lessons 1–3

Thirteen Reasons Why