variants also dependance
Definition of dependencenext
1
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

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2
as in reliance
something or someone to which one looks for support ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state

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3
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery

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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 Skydream uses its Hyper-Dimensional Energy Management System to reduce dependence on campground hookups. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 June 2026 China views nuclear energy as an important element of its broader strategy to ensure energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026 Some analysts also focused on CoreWeave’s dependence on a small number of customers. Byadam Volle, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 June 2026 The French deal will sharply reduce its dependence on its home plant. Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Solve problems in ways that reduce organizational friction rather than increase dependency on you.
    Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • The event took place at The Montálban Theatre in Los Angeles on April 22, with 100% of ticket sales going toward the organization’s mission of providing financial crisis relief, mental health therapy, chemical dependency treatment sponsorship, and community support for stand-up comedians.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • The country with the second largest portion of companies on the list is France, which is one of the leading renewable energy producers and sustainability innovators in the EU with a €240 million plan unveiled in April to further reduce its fossil fuel reliance.
    Charlotte Hu, Time, 9 June 2026
  • Development of data centers, facilities used to house computer systems and increase internet efficiency, is booming across the country as companies and consumers increase their reliance on new technologies like artificial intelligence.
    Sofi Zeman June 8, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Joe Hlavati struggled with addiction, homelessness, and multiple periods of incarceration before connecting with Community Partners in Action’s reentry and transitional housing services.
    Beth Hines, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
  • The psychological horror film tackles weight loss, diet culture, obsession and addiction.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Nine people, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon, were initially arrested with 30 more later indicted on federal charges in connection with the incident.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Longtime on-air anchor Glen Walker is making his way back to broadcast news in Los Angeles.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Those became the backbone of the story.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
  • For some time, Hartford has been perceived as a barrier instead of a backbone.
    Kenneth Okeke, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The Catholic Church was a pillar of Franco’s dictatorship, and at least until the 1960s, the church enjoyed broad control and influence over Spanish society that waned after democracy took root.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
  • Elsewhere, Toyota has added flocking to the instrument panel and A-pillar trim to reduce windshield glare.
    Utkarsh Sood June 06, New Atlas, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • That includes people who use a portable oxygen tank or are unable to walk without the assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic or other assistive device.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026
  • Throughout the finale, Niall continues to struggle with his identity, using chemsex parties as a crutch that are slowly but surely derailing his life.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man roster features many of the mainstays from 2022 — eight started every game in Qatar — along with 13 players who will be experiencing the World Cup stage for the first time.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
  • During recent earnings calls with analysts, executives from American mainstays like Walmart, McDonald’s and Dollar General cited overall shopper resilience as well as noticeable cutbacks by lower-income customers.
    Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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