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

While cost remains extremely important, the exec said brands now evaluate a much wider risk equation that includes lead time, flexibility, traceability, regulatory compliance, geopolitical exposure and dependency on individual production regions.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
But providing ongoing financial support can create a cycle of dependency that can delay important milestones and threaten the parents' financial security.

— Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of dependency

Noun

Canada’s Mark Carney is hosting European Union leaders in Montreal to deepen trade, defense and economic ties as both sides seek to reduce reliance on Washington.

— Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
The others asserted vested development rights and reliance on county representations, leaving only the comprehensive plan challenge, which asserted that commissioners wrongly rejected housing that complied with the county’s growth policies.

— Sarah Kinbar, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 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

The debate was moderated by chief political anchor Dennis House and anchor Kathryn Hauser, while CCM’s executive director, Joe DeLong, also asked questions on the panel.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Leading global funds such as BlackRock, Capital Group and GIC participated in Jio's anchor book portion of the total fundraise, which is set aside for large institutional investors before the IPO opens for public bidding.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 28 Oct. 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

Matsui, a pillar of the Democratic establishment, has touted her experience in the House and record of delivering federal funding to the region.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
For families There’s a comprehensive Ritz Kids program built around four pillars—nature, exploration, culture, and environment—with eco-workshops, nature walks, and babysitting available.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 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