reliance

noun

re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce reliance (audio)
Synonyms of reliance
1
: the act of relying : the state of being reliant
2
: something or someone relied on

Synonyms of reliance

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Examples of reliance in a Sentence

he's been the family's foremost reliance in times of trouble many times a baby's reliance on her parents
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Analysts blame the brand’s reliance on Chuck Taylors and question whether Nike might sell it, though Nike says Converse remains an important part of its portfolio. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Rookies step up The iM Securities report said that the profitability of newer bands such as Katseye and Cortis in Western markets will be likely key to reducing the company's reliance on BTS, the report showed. — Jenny Lee,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 This latest incident underscores the potentially existential stakes for some countries of their reliance on private corporations for low Earth orbit telecommunications. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 The framework’s reliance on bilateral discussions also weakens the idea that Europe’s defense ought to be a collective NATO effort. — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reliance

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliance was in 1606

Phrases Containing reliance

Rhymes for reliance

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Browse Nearby Words

reliably
reliance
reliant
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Cite this Entry

“Reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reliance

noun
re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce reliance (audio)
1
: the act of relying
2
: the condition or attitude of one who relies : dependence
3
: something or someone relied on

Legal Definition

reliance

noun
re·​li·​ance ri-ˈlī-əns How to pronounce reliance (audio)
1
: the act of relying
reliance on a promise
2
: reliance interest at interest 1

More from Merriam-Webster on reliance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reliance

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