RELY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

rely

verb

ri-ˈlī

Definition of rely

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The current system is effectively relying on the workers of today—which include millennials and the younger end of Gen X—to finance retirees. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 If tuition and other education expenses exceed the federal borrowing limit, students may need to rely on scholarships, grants, employer assistance, personal funds or private student loans to cover the remaining costs. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Unless a smart toilet is synced with a smartwatch or ring, its AI relies on user recall of those inputs, which may be incomplete. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 Combined with stealth and an extensive skill tree, these systems encourage players to adapt rather than rely solely on brute force. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rely

Verb

For comparison, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest foundry, began mass-producing 7nm chips in 2018 and can achieve yields exceeding 90%, depending on factors including chip design and die size.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Canny said Biird’s stage show fluctuates from the full 11 members down to seven, depending on the gig.

— Dan Kelly August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of depend

Verb

The latest available Census of Agriculture data, from 2023, counted about 47,000 cattle and calves in the county.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Miller sought an injunction similar to the one former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia received, challenging eligibility rules that count seasons played at a junior college against a player’s four years of eligibility at a Division I school.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026