Synonyms for

Relies

Verb / rɪˈlaɪz / / ri:ˈlaɪz / Another word for relies — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To depend on or trust in someone or something.

Synonyms & similar words

mistrust rely bank trust swear trusts expects anticipates

Synonyms by register

Formal

depends counts trusts banks

Informal

leans on hangs on bets on goes with

Literary

reposes abides

Antonyms

distrusts doubts disbelieves rejects ignores scorns

Common collocations

  • relies heavily on
  • relies solely on
  • relies upon
  • relies on the
  • relies on us
  • relies on you
  • relies on them

Word family

noun reliance
verb rely
adjective reliant
adverb reliantly

Usage note

The verb 'rely' is typically followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon'. 'Upon' is often considered more formal but 'on' is more common in modern usage.

Example sentences

  1. She relies on her alarm clock to wake her up in the morning.
  2. He relies on his bike to get to school on time.
  3. The flowers rely on the rain to grow.
  4. The team relies on their captain to lead them to victory.
  5. The company relies on its employees to be productive.

Quotes

  • 'The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.' - Nelson Mandela
  • 'The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.' - Ernest Hemingway
  • 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do.' - Steve Jobs

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