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 And yet, Russia’s dependence on Iranian drones during the early stages of the Ukraine war has also diminished as Moscow built its own production capacity. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026 From that perspective, Zimbabwe’s sulfate plants may represent incremental progress rather than outright dependence. Ray Mwayera, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026 In British Columbia, developers can use these deposits on construction costs, reducing their dependence on more expensive sources of capital. M. Nolan Gray, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026 Qatar has emerged as a key source of LNG supply to Europe, which has cut its dependence on Russian pipeline supply since the invasion of Ukraine. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • What follows is a slow unraveling as love curdles into manipulation and dependency.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The most immediate relief available is a pivot away from HBM dependency toward commodity DRAM architectures engineered specifically for AI’s requirements.
    Sha Rabii, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The novel conspiracy theory rests on events and perceptions from years ago, and its reliance on retrospective interpretations of consent should give pause.
    Chloe Melas, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Prior to Tuesday night’s disheartening 136-106 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Spoelstra was asked about his team’s unique reliance on zone defense.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • African governments are imposing restrictions on online betting amid growing fears of a rise in gambling addiction on the continent.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Afghanistan's vast poppy fields have been the source of much of the world's heroin, which in combination with decades of conflict and widespread poverty has fueled drug addiction that the country's government has vowed to combat.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Food & beverage Located just off the lobby entrance, Versante Hearth and Bar serves as both the hotel’s anchor and sporty social hub, open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening drinks.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Israel’s Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system — developed jointly with Boeing and tested against Iranian threats in 2024, 2025 and now 2026 — has become the anchor of a layered regional air-defense concept that Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are seeking to integrate more permanently.
    Judah Taub, semafor.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These short-form, mobile-first series are designed for speed, shareability and cultural specificity, with local casts and languages forming the backbone of production.
    Faye Bradley, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Stretching more than 2,300 miles through 10 states, the Mississippi River forms the backbone of one of the most important economic corridors in America.
    Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Eco effort Restoration, preservation and locality are key pillars for property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Marylanders are voracious consumers of farm animals, and this industry is a vital pillar of the state’s economy.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That confidence has become both a strength and a crutch.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Here, the re-enactments lack the level of panache that made Pez Outlaw so much fun, feeling more like a crutch than an additive aesthetic choice.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Beauty of Joseon's viral Revive Eye Serum is an Allure reader mainstay.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The 27-year-old took the starting reins from mainstay Stefan Frei — now in a backup role.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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