variants
also dependance
1
as in dependency
the quality or state of needing something or someone
a baby's total dependence upon his or her parents for every one of life's needs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs
acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dependence
As Sargeant sees it, to recognize our mutual dependence is to mix more with our friends and neighbors, to ask for help and favors and reciprocate them freely, and to create a web of relationships that affirm our fundamental interdependence.
—
Anna Louie Sussman, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
After a while, this can mess with deep sleep, slow physical recovery, and create dependence on caffeine to function, Keatley points out.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 7 Nov. 2025
Patriarchal cultures reduce women to economic dependence, treating them as a form of chattel to be traded among families.
—Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
That will give defensive coordinator Zach Orr more options with his pressure packages and perhaps create less dependence on blitzes to harass the quarterback.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Anna Louie Sussman, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
After a while, this can mess with deep sleep, slow physical recovery, and create dependence on caffeine to function, Keatley points out.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 7 Nov. 2025
Patriarchal cultures reduce women to economic dependence, treating them as a form of chattel to be traded among families.
—Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
That will give defensive coordinator Zach Orr more options with his pressure packages and perhaps create less dependence on blitzes to harass the quarterback.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
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Nearly a decade ago, McDaniel was diagnosed with depression and developed a psychological dependency on alcohol, it has been widely reported.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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Take the legendary hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, who told my colleague Diane Brady onstage that America is developing a dependency on a tiny cohort of high-level workers, specifically those in tech.—
Kristin Stoller,
Fortune,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In the wake of Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, EU countries moved to phase out Russian oil, but granted an exemption to Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic – three countries heavily reliant on Russian imports – to give them time to reduce their reliance.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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This model would reduce reliance on strained grid interconnections, speed deployment, and enhance the energy system’s resilience.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Many of these arrestees have long histories of addiction and significant health and mental health challenges.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Other solicitations came out months behind schedule, leaving groups with a few weeks to put together complicated applications for multimillion-dollar awards , including for Alzheimer's care, addiction recovery, senior support and chronic disease management.—
Amy Maxmen,
ABC News,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Johnson’s turn at The Daily Show’s anchor desk is but the latest achievement in an increasingly successful career, which also includes the stage and social media.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
Billboard,
11 Nov. 2025
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Gio Benitez, an ABC News anchor who is openly gay, joined a Catholic church in New York City and reaffirmed his faith after a long spiritual journey.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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That idea became the backbone of OSEA, with undaria algae (a mineral-rich seaweed rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and firming benefits) appearing in so many of its formulations.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
9 Nov. 2025
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Despite these measures, investigators acknowledge that Brazil’s penitentiaries remain the backbone of command and communication for its largest criminal organizations — a paradox that the state struggles to contain.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The Collectible design platform was founded in Brussels in 2018 and gained recognition for its finesse in linking pillars of design, art and fashion.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
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Bordered by antique wood pillar columns, the custom wood and glass front doors lead into a rotunda foyer displaying dark polished hardwood floors that run throughout the interiors.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Replacing a satellite crutch Modern militaries and civilian logistics alike depend on satellite navigation for positioning, timing, and synchronization.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
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In an era of tariffs and global trade wars, brands can’t rely on low prices as a crutch—the model is eroding under scrutiny.—
Catherine Salfino,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Over the next 300 years, chapbooks and broadside ballads became mainstays in Britain.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
8 Nov. 2025
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For a time it was called Ogden’s Place, a mainstay for lunch and happy hours among local journalists and employees of the nearby McAlpin's department store.—
Keith Pandolfi,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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