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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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.
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Recent Examples of dependence
That marked a sharp break from the previous administration, when the Department of Defense sought $5 billion for climate initiatives in its fiscal 2024 budget — including efforts to harden bases against extreme weather and reduce battlefield fuel dependence.
—
Ames Alexander, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
But Séjourné says that despite this dependence, the EU quickly adapted.
—Jessica Jurkschat, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
The real issue is Russia’s significant economic dependence on selling that energy to fund their war against Ukraine.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
These Midwestern states have smaller federal workforces and less dependence on federal contracts.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Ames Alexander, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
But Séjourné says that despite this dependence, the EU quickly adapted.
—Jessica Jurkschat, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
The real issue is Russia’s significant economic dependence on selling that energy to fund their war against Ukraine.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
These Midwestern states have smaller federal workforces and less dependence on federal contracts.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
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Guy is their newest inductee, a 20something with an iffy American accent (Denton is Australian), a worrying clonazepam dependency, a fancy NYU law degree and — of most interest to the Talamasca — a rare ability to read minds.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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South Africa, on the other hand, announced a plan to reduce its dependency on coal from 58% of its energy mix now to 29% by 2039, in particular planning to boost spending on nuclear power.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
While Europe remains an anchor, the center of gravity has shifted east—and increasingly, south.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Without this anchor of awareness we’ll be met with some problems.—
Colin Bedell,
Them.,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
By the 21st century, fentanyl became a weapon of mass addiction spreading beyond the operating floor, enabled by social media apps allowing its distribution.—
Ibrahim Al-Marashi,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Oct. 2025
-
To reverse this deadly trajectory, California must prioritize funding for addiction and mental health treatment within a variety of communal housing settings, not just permanent housing subsidies.—
Michele Steeb,
Oc Register,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
By reducing reliance on large, multi-tonne battery packs and ultra-high-power static charging (sometimes up to 1 MW) traditionally required for long-haul electric trucks, dynamic wireless charging offers an alternative path to decarbonize road freight at scale.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
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Hungary increased its Russian crude oil reliance from 61% pre-invasion to 86% in 2024.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Over the years, Chris Jones has made a habit of praising his line coach, Joe Cullen.—
Emily Curiel,
Kansas City Star,
26 Oct. 2025
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Saleh on Lucas Cornerback Chase Lucas has won over Saleh with his play and his study habits.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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