relied; relying
1
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water
2
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
Examples of rely in a Sentence
rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives
Recent Examples on the Web
The sleek outfit borrowed many of the elements that Shields has relied on for years.
—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
American makers relied on unfinished movements imported from England, much as English makers themselves depended on highly specialized cottage industries.
—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
3 July 2026
Producers of corn and wheat, which rely heavily on fertilizer, can spend around a third of their operating costs on fertilizer alone.
—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
3 July 2026
Gordon recalled one instance when an item the rescue had long relied on suddenly became far more expensive because of tariffs causing the rescue to have to spend $1,000 in unexpected costs.
—
Maveah Griffith,
Charlotte Observer,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for rely
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
American makers relied on unfinished movements imported from England, much as English makers themselves depended on highly specialized cottage industries.
—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
3 July 2026
Producers of corn and wheat, which rely heavily on fertilizer, can spend around a third of their operating costs on fertilizer alone.
—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
3 July 2026
Gordon recalled one instance when an item the rescue had long relied on suddenly became far more expensive because of tariffs causing the rescue to have to spend $1,000 in unexpected costs.
—
Maveah Griffith,
Charlotte Observer,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for rely
Cite this Entry
“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rely
verb
re·ly
ri-ˈlī 
relied; relying
1
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
2
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
