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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dependency
Another reader suggested that the woman may have her own struggles with alcohol-dependency.
—
Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
By modeling complex biological structures and interactions, the AI helped uncover molecular dependencies that are difficult to detect through conventional laboratory methods.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Overapplication may lead to dependency, hindering the natural moisture balance of your lips.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
But, the newspaper reported, the change caused harmful psychological effects for vulnerable users, including cases of delusional thinking, dependency, and even self-harm.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
By modeling complex biological structures and interactions, the AI helped uncover molecular dependencies that are difficult to detect through conventional laboratory methods.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Overapplication may lead to dependency, hindering the natural moisture balance of your lips.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
But, the newspaper reported, the change caused harmful psychological effects for vulnerable users, including cases of delusional thinking, dependency, and even self-harm.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependency
Noun
-
Bolstering the state’s dependence on fossil fuels forces us to keep funding the destruction of our environment, health, and a civil democratic society.—
Anshul Gupta,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The prescription opioid pill, called naltrexone, was first approved by the FDA to treat opioid dependence in 1984.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
According to the filing, Gordon developed an intense emotional reliance on ChatGPT, engaging in what the lawsuit describes as intimate exchanges that went beyond casual conversation and into deeply personal territory, a CBC News report said Wednesday.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
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Carney, for his part, has focused on trade, describing the trip to China as part of a move to forge new partnerships around the world to end Canada’s economic reliance on the American market.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Fortune,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependency. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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