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 Stress-Test Supplier Concentration And Dependence Finance leaders should weigh private-label margin gains against strategic dependence and resilience. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 And about a third of users were taking the drug for longer than six months, increasing the likelihood of dependence. — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026 Europe is central to Carney's effort to reduce that dependence. — Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026 As a consequence, states such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are signing security agreements with other countries such as Pakistan to reduce their dependence on a security partner that doesn’t provide much security at all. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence

Noun

If employees repeatedly need the founder to explain processes, locate information or remember how something was handled previously, the organization has created dependency around knowledge as well as decisions.

— Sariki Abungwo, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
The license is tied to a PC rather than to a Microsoft account, so IT teams in regulated or restricted environments can deploy it without a cloud dependency.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of dependency

Noun

The studies leave us with more questions than answers, but the researchers claim our rising reliance on smartphones and mobile devices makes continued study an imperative.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026
The project explores how hydroponic growing—which grows crops in water instead of soil—and AI can reduce cotton’s reliance on these resources.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

The ads for online gambling can seem as ubiquitous as the score, luring legions into a new scourge of addiction.

— Tracy Weber, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2026
While Sheik sought treatment for alcohol addiction after canceling a tour in 2011, his stage and studio career never slowed.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of addiction

Noun

The captain drops the anchor near a reef where fan-like corals in shades of purple and gold overlap, creating what looks like an underwater metropolis.

— Claire Turrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
The event program will be hosted by Good Day LA anchor Brooke Thomas and features a DJ set by Katie Otro.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

Simple knits are the backbone of a fall wardrobe, and the Zesica V-neck Sweater has the understated look that Rag & Bone does so well.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026
In summary, Linde represents a rare and highly attractive opportunity to invest in the hardware backbone of AI at a standard defensive valuation.

— Harvey Stober, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

Target, which is starting to get some traction in its turnaround, but is still lagging Walmart, is making style a pillar of its new approach.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Kicillof and others have seized on widespread economic hardship under Milei to rekindle support for the movement's traditional pillars — free education, public health care and workers’ rights.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026