DEPENDENCE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

dependence

noun

di-ˈpen-dən(t)s

variants also dependance

Definition of dependence

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reliance

something or someone to which one looks for support ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in addiction

a physiological need for certain drugs acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dependence Greater domestic production could also reduce US dependence on overseas suppliers for advanced battery materials. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 But pretending botanical kratom can’t cause dependence is also dishonest. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 The United States must also provide countries with attractive alternatives to economic dependence on Beijing. — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026 Across the pond, United Launch Alliance sought to end its dependence on Russian engines for the Atlas V rocket by migrating to the new Vulcan rocket. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence

Noun

Geopolitical tensions are bringing critical dependencies and chokepoints into sharper focus, while Europe faces growing security threats on its doorstep.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Understanding those cascading dependencies requires an architecture designed around interconnected networks rather than isolated data sets.

— Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of dependency

Noun

The untimely death of Hayden Panettiere, a onetime child star who soared to fame while navigating addiction and postpartum depression in her adult life, came just months after the beloved actor described feeling ready to start over.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
They were engaged before Panettiere gave birth to their daughter, Kaya, in 2014, but their relationship ended in 2018 when Panettiere gave up custody of Kaya while struggling with postpartum depression and addiction.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of addiction

Noun

Back in 1892, French artist Paul Signac dropped anchor here, encouraging friends such as Henri Matisse and André Derain to follow.

— Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
While the guests enjoy their shrimp, the wind picks up significantly and starts to drag the anchor.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

Michele Goodwin was once part of the American backbone of the $43 billion global industry.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Historically a safe haven, the Vineyard is now seen as the epicenter for changing the narrative on diversity, showcasing Black and Brown Americans as the backbone of the nation's economy and future.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

Travis Jones has been a mainstay on the Ravens’ defensive line since he was drafted in the third round in 2022.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Enter veteran character actor Lin Shaye, whose psychic Elise has been a series mainstay and a reliable provider of expository dialogue, despite the fact that her character died at the end of the 2011 original.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026