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 Popular sleep aids before surgery could prevent painkiller dependence later. — FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The greater the dependence, the greater the political pressure to unwind it. — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Too much dependence on one shipping lane means that when a corridor closes, there may be no fallback. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Over the past week, Ukraine has received a stark reminder of its growing dependence on uninterrupted access to Elon Musk's Starlink and Starshield networks in its drone-heavy war against Russia, now in its fifth year. — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence

Noun

Nicole Bottiglierivega Miami-Dade Corrections Nicole Bottiglierivega, 42, faces charges of third-degree grand theft, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, criminal mischief, and resisting an officer without violence.

— Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
According to industry analysts, overall sourcing throughput has hit record levels while diversifying rapidly away from single-source dependencies.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of dependency

Noun

Still, advocates for robust action on climate change say Turkey's cleaner energy ambitions stand in sharp contrast to its continued reliance on coal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Diversifying trade and production would reduce reliance on narrow export baskets and vulnerable transport routes.

— Jihad Azour, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

Christen said the suspect has a history of psychological and psychiatric problems and of drug addiction.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a Food and Drug Administration advisory tied those deaths to methadone prescribed for pain, not addiction treatment.

— Yashaswini Singh, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of addiction

Noun

What analysts' buyout models say Despite such valuation anchors, analysts are split on how much a financial sponsor might pay for the company and what Global Payments and its long-term shareholders might accept.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
It was not known why the anchor failed, but the heavy snowstorm was not a direct factor, according to the statement, which commended the college students for their love of the outdoors and preparation for the climbing trip.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

The language that’s known as the backbone of the internet is now subject to what experts describe as one of the most notable vulnerabilities in recent memory.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Stocchetto’s son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment but one that kept the vintage backbone intact, from the brocades and mirrors to the marble floor and dark wood panels.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

Crowley made defending Medicaid funding and preserving affordable housing central pillars of his platform.

— Maayan Silver, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Beyond reducing cash returns to shareholders, this sharp contraction in buybacks threatens a key pillar supporting tech stock valuations over the long term.

— , CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of pillar

Noun

Using them as a permanent crutch, however, can create a long-term problem.

— John Csiszar, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026
There was Franz West’s Passstück (1983/1984), a sculpture meant to be used like a strange crutch that would modify how a person moves about.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of crutch

Noun

Upon its initial release, the album cemented My Chemical Romance's shift from mainstays of the emo scene to mainstream recognition, becoming one of the most inventive bands of the 21st century.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
No one wants to say goodbye to Chargers mainstay Khalil Mack that way, but the veteran defender should be worth a pretty pick to a contender.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026