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

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2
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state

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3
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery

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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 United States does need to reduce its dependence on Chinese talent: in any market, overreliance on any single supplier is almost always a recipe for insecurity. David G. Victor, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2025 Of course, given the dependence of many practitioners on public commissions, opposition to slash-and-burn fiscal policy is also very much in their own interest. Ian Volner, Artforum, 28 May 2025 The body is a moral form, as the philosopher J. M. Bernstein has articulated, because of our dependence on one another to sustain our sense of humanity. Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 As a result, people are searching for healthier alternatives to manage nicotine addiction and break free from the cycle of dependence. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • One of the first challenges is platform dependency.
    Serge Beck, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Canada has been in discussions with the European Union to join an EU drive to break its security dependency on the United States, with a focus on buying more defense equipment, including fighter jets, in Europe.
    Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Still in the early stages of their respective careers, Mitchell and DeJean have the potential to be anchors for the Eagles' defense long-term.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Still, seeing an animal that size in a place where people typically kayak, swim, and anchor boats is enough to give anyone pause.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Echo Valley feels in need of an additional twist, or one fewer — to either commit to being foremost a drama about addiction or to go harder into the suspense, rather than ending up an awkward hybrid of the two.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 June 2025
  • Taylor has since revealed his cocaine addiction, as well as his diagnosis with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD after years of struggling with his mental health.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • The new belt was designed with reliance on Volvo's database of over 80,000 car-crash victims.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 6 June 2025
  • The White House has been aggressively trying to pare back on America's reliance on foreign nations, imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum in February, citing national security concerns.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • He is used to mowing his lawn shirtless and in shorts – especially on hotter days – but recently, what seemed like a harmless habit sparked unexpected drama with his neighbors across the street.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Students leave with answers, but more importantly, with the habit of questioning their own choices and understanding the consequences.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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