variants
also dependance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
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
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Recent Examples of dependence
If expectations and conditioning can ease withdrawal from caffeine, similar tools might one day help with dependence on other substances.
—
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
The findings point to the powerful role expectation and habit play in how our bodies experience dependence.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026
Later, the woman’s daughter was born with opiate dependence and had to stay in the hospital for several months after birth.
—Adeline Goss, New Yorker, 11 June 2026
Geopolitical uncertainty, the rise of AI, and worries over foreign tech dependence have convinced many regulators that data is a core national asset.
—Leonard Lim, Fortune, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
The findings point to the powerful role expectation and habit play in how our bodies experience dependence.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026
Later, the woman’s daughter was born with opiate dependence and had to stay in the hospital for several months after birth.
—Adeline Goss, New Yorker, 11 June 2026
Geopolitical uncertainty, the rise of AI, and worries over foreign tech dependence have convinced many regulators that data is a core national asset.
—Leonard Lim, Fortune, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
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By focusing on legacy component replication, the company aims to reduce dependency on fragile global supply chains and shorten repair timelines for aging defense systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
-
Build Teams That Can Function Without You The real challenge is not keeping work moving, but ensuring people can truly disconnect without guilt or dependency.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
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This low position is likely hindered by a reliance on offensive statistics that puts less value on Brind’Amour’s defensive abilities.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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Nobody is happier or safer or healthier for having higher prices at the pump, dirtier air, more reliance on volatile international energy imports or uncertain supply chains and the loss of thousands of jobs, among other things.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
17 June 2026
Noun
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On June 1, the National Institutes of Health announced that researchers from the University of Florida would begin the first phase of clinical trials on kratom to evaluate it as a potential treatment for opioid addiction.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Authorities say Wednesday night's raid is part of a longer-term plan with more operations expected in the weeks ahead, before a third phase, which will focus on getting people who are struggling with addiction into treatment.—
Amanda Starrantino,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Soaring double-height ceilings anchor the entertaining spaces, with loft areas overlooking the living room.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
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Dozens of VLCCs are sailing from the South China Sea and across the Indian Ocean toward the United Arab Emirates ports, where at least 30 ships were already at anchor, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward on Wednesday.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Reading people’s intentions and forming relationships is still the backbone of successful recruiting.—
Steven Johnson
June 16,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
-
How did 42 Dugg-core Detroit drums end up as the backbone of Florida street rap?—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
Noun
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The lifecycle pillar then operationalizes governance through requirements covering model selection, data quality, explainability, performance monitoring, human oversight, cybersecurity, and third-party risk.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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When constructed, the stone circle was aligned with the sun, and to this day, thousands of people gather to witness the moment the sun peeks perfectly through its pillars.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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It is said that a stack of books was a mainstay on his bedside table in the White House.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
-
Seehorn’s indelible portrayal of the cunning Kim Wexler transformed the character from one-off love interest to irreplaceable mainstay, and thus, a partnership was born.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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