rely
verb (used without object)
to depend confidently; put trust in (usually followed by on orupon ).
were relying
-
past progressiveof rely.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"They were relying on a specific set of proteins and processes that created a vulnerability we could potentially target."
From Science Daily ● Oct. 2, 2026
In several districts across the country, organizations reported they were relying less on the federal government amid changes to rules and funding levels.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026
He and his wife had saved for eight years to buy a new car and were relying on the £28,000 agreed sale price to help towards their relocation costs.
From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026
Beccuau said there was no sign the spoils had crossed the French border, but investigators were relying on contacts abroad to signal if something suspicious showed up.
From Barron's ● Jan. 19, 2026
The chief, the captain, the sergeant—they all were relying on him to keep the pancake-house property free of mischief.
From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen
