reliance
noun
re·li·ance
ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s 
Synonyms of reliance
Examples of reliance in a Sentence
he's been the family's foremost reliance in times of trouble many times
a baby's reliance on her parents
Recent Examples on the Web
As a result, European nations have sought to club together to boost defense capabilities, reduce reliance on US technology, and diversify trade ties.
—
Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Each visit has been grounded in national economic self-interest, and while trust in China may be limited, reliance on Washington now feels less certain — more to the point, riskier.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Harden took the job, and Louie in the first season is a man worn down by his reliance on alcohol but also respectful and appreciative toward everyone in the hospital.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The state recently loosened its reliance on the American Bar Association for law-school accreditation and is working with other red states to build its own alternative regional accreditor, the Commission for Public Higher Education.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reliance
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Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Each visit has been grounded in national economic self-interest, and while trust in China may be limited, reliance on Washington now feels less certain — more to the point, riskier.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Harden took the job, and Louie in the first season is a man worn down by his reliance on alcohol but also respectful and appreciative toward everyone in the hospital.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The state recently loosened its reliance on the American Bar Association for law-school accreditation and is working with other red states to build its own alternative regional accreditor, the Commission for Public Higher Education.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reliance
Cite this Entry
“Reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliance. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reliance
noun
re·li·ance
ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s
1
: the act of relying
2
: the condition or attitude of one who relies : dependence
3
: something or someone relied on
Legal Definition
reliance
noun
re·li·ance
ri-ˈlī-əns
1
: the act of relying
reliance on a promise
2
: reliance interest at interest 1
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