DEPENDANCE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

dependence

noun

di-ˈpen-dən(t)s

variants also dependance

Definition of dependence

as in dependency

the quality or state of needing something or someone a baby's total dependence upon his or her parents for every one of life's needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reliance

something or someone to which one looks for support ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in addiction

a physiological need for certain drugs acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 dependence There is no dependence on overseas mail, no lengthy trip to a polling place and no uncertainty about whether a ballot arrived in time. — Sam Kinch, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2026 Among this group, it is characterized by a difficulty controlling phone use, heavy social media dependence, having a preoccupation with notifications and voicing distress when separated from their device. — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026 Secular and centrist Israelis resent Netanyahu’s deep political dependence on ultra-Orthodox voters who contribute little to the nation’s economy and refuse military service. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 14 July 2026 The Drug Enforcement Administration says kratom produces stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects in high doses, and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence. — Jake Rosenwasser, CBS News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence

Noun

Model debt arises from dependencies in integrations, prompts, data pipelines and workflows, which reduce agility, slow down change and increase costs.

— Signe Jancis, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Their project infrastructure and financing are designed around lifecycles as long as 20–30 years, and their operational ecosystem includes dependencies on supply chains for parts covered under warranty.

— Amit Chaturvedy, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Definition of dependency

Noun

Instead, they must be placed outside the barrier, forcing reliance on indirect measurements during operation and physical inspection after shutdown, according to a press release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
The United States on Friday backed a new agreement between Iraq and Syria to rehabilitate an oil pipeline that would provide an alternative route for crude exports and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

The liver-transplant reports renewed speculation about addiction because the most common reason people suffer serious liver dysfunction and need a new liver is cirrhosis, according to the American Liver Foundation.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Bartee and Williams never got to have a heart-to-heart with him about his struggle with addiction, and Manigan died in 2022 at the age of 55.

— Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 July 2026

Definition of addiction

Noun

Each strike and counterstrike chipped away at the pillars of the agreement, which has now collapsed, though there are still efforts to salvage it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
The brighter silver paint contrasting the greenhouse and A and D pillars against the darker bronze lower body somewhat detracts from the overall look.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Definition of pillar

Noun

The workers who are going to come out ahead are the ones who learn to use AI as a partner, not a crutch.

— Dan Schawbel, CNBC, 6 July 2026
And while total entries declined by roughly 25%, the question of what qualifies as award-worthy work took the pressure off of the crutch of rewarding only the technology.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of crutch

Noun

The top is a mainstay of celebrities’ summer outfits, including Martha Stewart, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and, most recently, Gigi Hadid.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Flag lowering and raising ceremonies, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of patriotic songs remain mainstays at many summer camps today.

— Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026