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 Iran war has exacerbated the price pressure, exposing California's dependence in large part on foreign imports, some analysts said.
—
Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 May 2026
Give Californians more control over their energy, reduce dependence on gasoline and lower costs in a way that lasts.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 May 2026
And discount carriers like Spirit have a harder time raising fares due to its dependence on bargain-hunting customers.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 May 2026
Give Californians more control over their energy, reduce dependence on gasoline and lower costs in a way that lasts.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 May 2026
And discount carriers like Spirit have a harder time raising fares due to its dependence on bargain-hunting customers.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 1 May 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 8 May. 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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