RELY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

rely

verb

ri-ˈlī

as in to depend

to place reliance or trust rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of rely Plaintiffs in the Los Angeles bellwether and related cases have sought to get around those protections by relying on claims about corporate negligence and flawed product design, similar to those brought against opioid maker Purdue Pharma in recent years and Big Tobacco in the 1990s. —

Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Some relied on layers and keeping hoods up, while others said their mindset made all the difference. —

Eva Andersen, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 Market pros said this underlines CTAs’ ability to adapt to different market environments and not rely on one single factor. —

Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026 Townships, which rely heavily on property taxes, may need to become cities to impose income taxes and fund services. —

Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rely

Verb

Whether Silicon Valley’s early embrace becomes an asset or a liability may depend on how voters interpret the flood of tech money — as proof of confidence in a pragmatic mayor or as a sign that the industry is trying to shape the state’s political future.

— Grace Hase, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026
In some states, Powerball tickets can be bought online depending on local jurisdiction.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026