dependency

noun

di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
Definition of dependencynext
as in dependence
the quality or state of needing something or someone she was concerned about his heavy dependency on coffee to get him moving in the morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dependency The story also touches on the complex relationships between men, namely the dynamics of dominance, dependency, and betrayal. — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026 What are those more nuanced conversations about drug dependency going to look like going forward? — Max Gao, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Many organizations don’t have a complete inventory of those dependencies. — Scott Alldridge, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Given these concerns, companies are looking to diversify their AI usage, and reduce their dependency on the leading AI companies. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependency
  1. dependence
  2. reliance
Noun
  • Europe relies heavily on US cloud infrastructure, and the Commission is turning concerns about that dependence into measurable requirements.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Officials say preliminary evidence indicates that all three substances are potent and could result in dependence and respiratory depression.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of dependence
Noun
  • Kyiv's reliance on drones has made Starlink and Starshield nearly indispensable to its arsenal.
    — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Thus, no matter what really transpired with Starlink's suspension of service to Ukraine, Musk may now face customers diversifying away from total reliance on SpaceX as his ultimate reckoning.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of reliance

Browse Nearby Words

dependencies
dependency
dependent
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Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependency. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dependency

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