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
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
The issue, which Microsoft linked to its global content delivery system, has exposed the scale of dependence on the company’s traffic-routing backbone.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
The incident highlights the widespread dependence on Microsoft’s cloud backbone across industries.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Oil dependence and fossil fuel use Some environmental advocates worry that pipelines like Western Gateway won’t just fuel cars and trucks, but also a changing climate.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Let’s hope Tilly Norwood has signed with an agent, because Paul Schrader appears to have just the project for Hollywood’s growing dependence on AI.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
The incident highlights the widespread dependence on Microsoft’s cloud backbone across industries.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Oil dependence and fossil fuel use Some environmental advocates worry that pipelines like Western Gateway won’t just fuel cars and trucks, but also a changing climate.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Let’s hope Tilly Norwood has signed with an agent, because Paul Schrader appears to have just the project for Hollywood’s growing dependence on AI.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
The issue is how to inject capital without falling prey to some of the pitfalls of aid dependency.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The move is aimed at cutting India's import dependency for electronic components.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Penn State researchers noted some limitations to their study, such as the relatively small sample size of responses and the study’s reliance mostly on one AI model, ChatGPT 4o.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Specifically, the report pointed to its focus on apparel, its reliance on wholesale and its traction with women shoppers and consumers under 35 — areas that are all seen as important to growing very big businesses.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Many of these arrestees have long histories of addiction and significant health and mental health challenges.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Other solicitations came out months behind schedule, leaving groups with a few weeks to put together complicated applications for multimillion-dollar awards , including for Alzheimer's care, addiction recovery, senior support and chronic disease management.—
Amy Maxmen,
ABC News,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Based on his observations around Whitefish Point, Lynn said captains have a greater willingness to drop anchor and wait out a storm rather than risking it and powering through.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
It's been 50 years since Good Morning America's co-anchors first began helping viewers all across the country start their days.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Technology is another pillar of OACEUS's success, serving as the backbone that connects every aspect of its health ecosystem.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The tourism industry, the backbone of Jamaica’s economy, is watching closely.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Support for late value form became a pillar of the climate politics of the Biden administration.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Ice Climb Grand Island’s Trout Bay Michigan’s ice climbing capital offers more than 100 routes, from beginner WI2 pillars to expert WI6 curtains.—
Outside,
Outside,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In an era of tariffs and global trade wars, brands can’t rely on low prices as a crutch—the model is eroding under scrutiny.—
Catherine Salfino,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Vincent wore a protective boot in the locker room after the victory over the Kings, and was wearing a boot and using crutches in the Lakers’ locker room on Monday night.—
Khobi Price,
Oc Register,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The 84-year-old former mainstay in Republican politics died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Opening acts included bluegrass mainstay Sam Bush, alongside rising stars Lindsay Lou and Holly Bowling.—
Garret K. Woodward,
Rolling Stone,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share