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 Among this group, it is characterized by a difficulty controlling phone use, heavy social media dependence, having a preoccupation with notifications and voicing distress when separated from their device. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 The tension between dependence and distrust is not just philosophical. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 July 2026 The Eola celebration was capped by a reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of In dependence. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026 More battery options could help energy companies reduce their dependence on a single material. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence

Noun

But the enterprise has not done the harder work of specifying the decision, workflow, exception handling, control structure, data dependencies, accountability model, and outcome that matter.

— Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
The company is exploring strategies that emphasize domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience, reflecting a growing focus on reducing dependency on complex global cold-chain networks.

— Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of dependency

Noun

To prevent over-reliance on technology, core first-year courses will pilot a ban on electronic devices, compelling students to develop foundational reasoning skills without AI shortcuts.

— Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Platner’s defenders would never concede that his reliance on alcohol obliterated his own credibility.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

In anticipation of the birth of his son, Ferguson had kicked a nagging heroin habit, trading his addiction to drugs for an infatuation with activism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Trump weighs a return to war with Iran There are growing signs that gambling addiction is rising along with this boom.

— Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Definition of addiction

Noun

Kelly looks into the camera and declares the Fairway attorney and former Obama Commerce Department official has the strength, judgment and backbone to continue her legacy.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
In those neighborhoods, buses are the backbone of mobility, and improving them is among the most effective ways to expand opportunity.

— Mike Flynn, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

About 42% of Colombia’s territory is covered by Amazon rainforest, and the Petro administration made rainforest protection and a transition away from fossil fuels central pillars of its environmental agenda.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Early last year, El-Sayed travelled to Washington for introductory meetings with various pillars of the Democratic establishment.

— Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Definition of pillar

Noun

The workers who are going to come out ahead are the ones who learn to use AI as a partner, not a crutch.

— Dan Schawbel, CNBC, 6 July 2026
And while total entries declined by roughly 25%, the question of what qualifies as award-worthy work took the pressure off of the crutch of rewarding only the technology.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of crutch

Noun

The top is a mainstay of celebrities’ summer outfits, including Martha Stewart, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and, most recently, Gigi Hadid.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Flag lowering and raising ceremonies, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of patriotic songs remain mainstays at many summer camps today.

— Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026