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
Given that actress Sara Canning isn’t significantly older than the characters in her care, the show relied on makeup and her acting chops to convince audiences of the age gap.
—
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 June 2024
Bragg relied on an embarrassingly compliant Judge Juan Merchan, and a Manhattan jury that took its cues from Merchan, to make up for the myriad legal deficiencies in his case.
—The Editors, National Review, 31 May 2024
Back then, cooks relied on it to make protein safer to consume, as well as more delicious.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2024
The old system relied on large grid squares that weren’t tailored to specific communities, said Jeff Toney, director for the county’s Office of Emergency Services.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for rely 
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 June 2024
Bragg relied on an embarrassingly compliant Judge Juan Merchan, and a Manhattan jury that took its cues from Merchan, to make up for the myriad legal deficiencies in his case.
—The Editors, National Review, 31 May 2024
Back then, cooks relied on it to make protein safer to consume, as well as more delicious.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2024
The old system relied on large grid squares that weren’t tailored to specific communities, said Jeff Toney, director for the county’s Office of Emergency Services.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for rely
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rely
Cite this Entry
“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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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