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
These Midwestern states have smaller federal workforces and less dependence on federal contracts.
—
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
To help players become resilient problem solvers, with increasingly less dependence on you, the coach.
—Joe Boylan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Its distinctive adaptations — seen in its face, massive teeth, powerful jaws, and now its hands — point toward a highly specialized diet of tough plant foods, rather than a heavy dependence on tool technology.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Such a trend could be a factor of founders’ growing dependence on AI, investors’ eagerness for startups that use AI to minimize spending or both.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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.
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
To help players become resilient problem solvers, with increasingly less dependence on you, the coach.
—Joe Boylan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Its distinctive adaptations — seen in its face, massive teeth, powerful jaws, and now its hands — point toward a highly specialized diet of tough plant foods, rather than a heavy dependence on tool technology.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Such a trend could be a factor of founders’ growing dependence on AI, investors’ eagerness for startups that use AI to minimize spending or both.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 16 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share