reliance

noun

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

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 In fact, our reliance on magical thinking is something fundamentally human that deserves to be recognised. Tabitha Stanmore, TIME, 24 May 2024 But Rosenfield, the Baykeeper scientist, referenced core goals of the the Delta Protection Act and the need to prioritize conservation and reduction of our reliance on water from the estuary. Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for reliance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reliance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliance was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near reliance

Cite this Entry

“Reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliance. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

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

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