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
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support
ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
But that ease can become dependence or even detachment from reality.
—
Sonia Mankame, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Since then, China has invested heavily in research and development and pursued a range of industrial policies aimed at upgrading their technological and production prowess and reducing their dependence on foreign competitors.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Israel needs to take the lead in this effort—no more dependence on subcontractors.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Moreover, the United States has retained control of key leadership positions in NATO, ensuring that Europe’s institutionalized military dependence will endure.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Sonia Mankame, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Since then, China has invested heavily in research and development and pursued a range of industrial policies aimed at upgrading their technological and production prowess and reducing their dependence on foreign competitors.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Israel needs to take the lead in this effort—no more dependence on subcontractors.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Moreover, the United States has retained control of key leadership positions in NATO, ensuring that Europe’s institutionalized military dependence will endure.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
Mental health experts warn that consequences may be severe as constant AI conversations can blur boundaries and fuel dependency.—
Sonia Mankame,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
-
There are a variety of treatments, including counseling, medications and support groups, to help people who want to end that dependency.—
Malaka Gharib,
NPR,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But Okoro should have room to develop in this next chapter — both as a perimeter anchor and a reliable offensive player — without the urgency of a contending rotation.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Traditional mooring systems often become either too tight or too loose as water depths shift, causing strain on anchors and reducing the efficiency and lifespan of floating solar platforms.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Twice a week, Manheim provides vital insights and comic relief from guests recounting their darkest addiction moments.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The pair’s fight is fueled by the mundane (a busted dinner party) and the profound (Mark’s addiction, Dawn’s codependence, the constant pressure of professional fighting).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But reliance on soldiers of fortune undermined the Kremlin’s message of national unity and allowed an overwhelming majority of Russians to stay uninvolved.—
Nina Khrushcheva,
Time,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Deposits along its northwestern border with China and eastern coastline are being explored to boost production and reduce reliance on imports.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
At a moment when traditional publications are scuttling book reviews and the economic barriers to entry for emerging writers are harder and harder to overcome, these habits are more useful than ever.—
Rebecca Ackermann,
The Atlantic,
5 Oct. 2025
-
But Patel demurred when CNN asked if the chain is seeing any consumer habits changing because of GLP-1 drugs.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share