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
Frequent use can disrupt normal bowel function and lead to laxative dependence or chronic constipation.7
Only use castor oil under medical guidance.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
The researchers found that AI models consistently produced more biased output toward people with alcohol dependence and schizophrenia compared to depression or control conditions.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in recent days said his country needs to wean itself off of dependence on the US - particularly citing security - as Tokyo faces the prospect of new tariffs.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
In March, Trump invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act to expand domestic production of critical minerals as part of broader efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on China.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
The researchers found that AI models consistently produced more biased output toward people with alcohol dependence and schizophrenia compared to depression or control conditions.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in recent days said his country needs to wean itself off of dependence on the US - particularly citing security - as Tokyo faces the prospect of new tariffs.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
In March, Trump invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act to expand domestic production of critical minerals as part of broader efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on China.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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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