dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants
or less commonly dependance
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially
: the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers
Examples of dependence in a Sentence
The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
a harmful dependence on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
The World Bank, in fact, attributes most of the drop in the global economy’s dependence on oil to stricter fuel efficiency requirements for vehicles around the world.
—
Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
The World Bank, in fact, attributes most of the drop in the global economy’s dependence on oil to stricter fuel efficiency requirements for vehicles around the world.
—ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
So, here was Ondaatje just writing about his day-t0-day, grappling with the intense swings of emotion any parent must reckon with as their children grow into autonomy, forever leaving behind the heartbreakingly sweet (and frequently tedious) dependences of childhood.
—Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
Cloud battled migraine headaches due to a previous injury, which Levinson suggests was partly to blame — and perhaps an easy excuse — for his dependence on painkillers.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
The World Bank, in fact, attributes most of the drop in the global economy’s dependence on oil to stricter fuel efficiency requirements for vehicles around the world.
—ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
So, here was Ondaatje just writing about his day-t0-day, grappling with the intense swings of emotion any parent must reckon with as their children grow into autonomy, forever leaving behind the heartbreakingly sweet (and frequently tedious) dependences of childhood.
—Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
Cloud battled migraine headaches due to a previous injury, which Levinson suggests was partly to blame — and perhaps an easy excuse — for his dependence on painkillers.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction
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