Definition of dependencynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dependency The Patriots broke away from the Broncos by breaking their dependency on Maye to start the second half. Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026 Yet vendors treat all of it as requiring constant upgrades, constant spending, constant dependency. CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 Europe developed too many dependencies on gas with Russia, on security with the United States, and on trade with China. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026 Many Latin American nations are wary of trading one dependency for another. Oliver Stuenkel, Time, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependency
Noun
  • Together, these systems are intended to help farmers reduce dependence on manual labor and chemical herbicides while maintaining or improving crop yields.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Trump administration announces plans for critical minerals stockpile The US government is developing a $12 billion critical minerals stockpile in its quest to bolster its domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on China.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The threat of duties and sanctions imposed by the US has also prompted some nations to look to hedge their reliance on the dollar.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The Austin Fire Department accrued the second highest amount of overtime in fiscal year 2026 at $22 million, while Emergency Medical Services showed the highest reliance on overtime pay.
    Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependency. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!