rely
verb (used without object)
to depend confidently; put trust in (usually followed by on orupon ).
relied
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past participleof rely.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof rely.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
relyverb (used without object)to depend confidently; put trust in (usually followed by on orupon ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many companies that once relied on paid-leave subsidies and pandemic-era tax benefits were struggling or going out of business.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
The team also relied heavily on theoretical modeling.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
Our team has relied on media coverage and trained student coders to flag ads that are potentially AI-generated.
From Salon ● Oct. 6, 2026
The world championship leader's fourth place becomes third on the grid with Hadjar's penalty, and he can usually be relied upon to be a factor in the race.
From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026
The slave trade had become less profitable during the Revolution as slaveholders relied more on the natural increase of their enslaved population.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
