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
London, with the backing of the UK Government, is also eager to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships but that will rely on the cooperation of West Ham, who would need to vacate the stadium for three weeks that September.
—
Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Dengshikou Station is essentially at the hotel’s doorstep—which is much easier than relying exclusively on Beijing traffic.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Noble acknowledged that this delay could put a strain on the department, which relies on the new recruit to fill roles as other troopers enter retirement.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
Rose has developed diversified revenue streams that require care and feeding and relies on two freelance video editors to support her.
—Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rely
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Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Dengshikou Station is essentially at the hotel’s doorstep—which is much easier than relying exclusively on Beijing traffic.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Noble acknowledged that this delay could put a strain on the department, which relies on the new recruit to fill roles as other troopers enter retirement.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
Rose has developed diversified revenue streams that require care and feeding and relies on two freelance video editors to support her.
—Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 20 May 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 21 May. 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
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