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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of dependence
With the Cold War now long over, nations in Europe and, for that matter, elsewhere should be seeking more self-sufficiency, not dependence.
—
Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Neom is the flagship element of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aimed at diversifying its economy away from oil dependence.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025
This kind of dependence, common in most modern weapons systems, was often irksome for U.S. allies but not regarded as a big problem.
—Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2025
That’s a major concern as US President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, throwing a spotlight on America’s dependence on critical drug supplies from abroad.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Neom is the flagship element of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aimed at diversifying its economy away from oil dependence.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025
This kind of dependence, common in most modern weapons systems, was often irksome for U.S. allies but not regarded as a big problem.
—Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2025
That’s a major concern as US President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, throwing a spotlight on America’s dependence on critical drug supplies from abroad.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
The original promise of the Israeli state was to end, once and for all, the dependency and the powerlessness of an exilic people who had suffered antisemitic persecution for centuries—a dark history that reached its nadir in the Nazi death camps.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
-
Still, the country has a long way to go to cut its dependency on China in some key areas, Backeberg told CNBC.—
Sam Meredith,Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
What To Know Trump sat down last week for an interview with Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo that aired on Sunday Morning Futures.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
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Housed in the 1907 Westland Building, a former steam supply warehouse, the hotel anchors RailSpur, a placemaking initiative that connects three historic structures in Pioneer Square through alleys that draw in the public with the promise of art and cocktails.—
Leilani Marie Labong,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
Not the years battling post-traumatic stress disorder or addiction.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
24 June 2025
-
In Twin Peaks, Deputy Chief Hawk and Sheriff Frank Truman—filling in for ailing brother Frank—work on following a lead phoned in by an ailing Log Lady, while Richard Horne, son of Audrey Horne and Cooper’s evil double, spiraling into depravity and addiction, kills a child in a hit-and-run.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Yet the reliance on USD pegs comes with regulatory frictions and geopolitical exposure.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Bannon, who has long opposed U.S. military involvement in Iran, questioned Trump's reliance on intelligence reportedly provided by Israel, rather than U.S. sources.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
Noun
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No title yet revealed, but the pod will launch mid-July, the duo engage in heartfelt and unfiltered conversations about everyday life such as discuss raising a family, cultivating gardens, home improvements, careers, fostering healthy habits and aging.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
18 June 2025
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Inspired by Napoleon’s habit of using toy soldiers to plot his military battles, the designer dotted the entrance with giant cutouts with gold outlines, and shrouded the floor in smoke.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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