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 The Middle East has long worried about its dependence on the United States and has thus been diversifying its partnerships since the Arab Spring, in 2011. — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Musk is both a crucial partner for Kyiv and a potential source of vulnerability and dependence. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Investors have voiced worries about this concentrated dependence on Amazon, Google and Microsoft. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Trump responded a day later by emphasizing Canada’s dependence on the United States, which only underscored Carney’s point. — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence

Noun

Toxic candidates, from our experience, often easily answer questions about successes and strengths but struggle with those about about failures, dependencies, and how others experienced working with them.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026
To prepare, companies should audit critical suppliers, diversify AI dependencies, bolster financing, stress-test customer bases, and continue strategic AI investments.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of dependency

Noun

The partnership is intended to revitalize the refinery, support more than 500 American jobs and reduce US reliance on overseas suppliers for strategically important materials.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
The deal would also help Nvidia protect its dominant position in AI chips, which has been somewhat under threat as major tech peers build out their own chips to reduce their reliance on Nvidia hardware.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

The company also gave $2 million to the National Council for Problem Gambling to combat unhealthy trading and addiction.

— Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Meta agrees to a $17-billion settlement with 47 states, ending a landmark teen social media addiction trial.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of addiction

Noun

The dreamy setting is an ideal spot to drop anchor for a relaxing swim, snorkel, and linger over a bottle of local wine under umbrella pine trees buzzing with cicadas.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Howard, a mother of five, called her son energetic and an anchor for his younger siblings.

— Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

The tablet combines bictegravir, the backbone of Gilead’s blockbuster HIV pill Biktarvy, with lenacapavir, a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that has become a centerpiece of the company’s long-term strategy for HIV treatment and prevention.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Combine drought with fire and the backbone of the Everglades — its marshy peat soil — also becomes more vulnerable.

— Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

Volkswagen’s prosperity was recently based on two pillars – huge profits earned in China, and the highly successful German base where its engineers led the world for decades in making and exporting advanced sedans and SUVs.

— Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Narrower set of engines Next week's nonfarm payrolls report could also give some reassurance on how the economy is doing, which remains robust but with weakening pillars of support.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of pillar

Noun

Travis Jones has been a mainstay on the Ravens’ defensive line since he was drafted in the third round in 2022.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Enter veteran character actor Lin Shaye, whose psychic Elise has been a series mainstay and a reliable provider of expository dialogue, despite the fact that her character died at the end of the 2011 original.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026