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 La Paix, the staff told Fletcher, has been the one lifeline – even with its lack of modern equipment and dependence on generators for electricity. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025 This customer-first model challenges the old guard’s outdated pricing playbook, exposing their dependence on market power and resistance to change. Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025 These have recently spread to India as a result of the 50 percent duties placed on its goods, with lawmakers and activists urging less dependence on American multinationals and a greater emphasis on economic self-sufficiency. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025 India will need to make a long-term strategic choice to break its dependence on Russia for defense and energy. Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Rather than going all-in on AI literacy, the question is to calibrate deliberate exposure to mental challenges that build resistance to intellectual dependency.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Dating dinosaur eggs has typically been a challenge due to dependency on indirect methods, such as dating surrounding volcanic rocks.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to Western guests, CGTN also uses Western news anchors and correspondents, giving the network an even more legitimate appearance.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Krylon’s brown provides a grounding anchor, adding depth, while C2’s ochre highlights the heavier neutral.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And Sheen does find the words to tell more harrowing stories of addiction and excess that defined his Hollywood spiral.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This illustrates how widespread consumers' reliance on credit cards has become across all 50 states.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Microsoft now counts OpenAI as a competitor and has been increasing its reliance on its own AI models.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Companies that invest in truly knowing their customers and understanding their buying habits will keep those customers.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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