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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dependence
Green jobs also diversify economies by reducing dependence on a single fuel source.
—
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Even as Trump raged, Washington’s dependence on Musk was growing.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
This income and market access reduce their economies’ dependence on Russia.
—Jeffrey Mankoff, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2025
Alcohol also alters how the brain's reward system functions, which increases the risk of dependence over time.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Even as Trump raged, Washington’s dependence on Musk was growing.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
This income and market access reduce their economies’ dependence on Russia.
—Jeffrey Mankoff, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2025
Alcohol also alters how the brain's reward system functions, which increases the risk of dependence over time.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
Identify adversarial country dependencies and invest in domestic alternatives.—
Shaun Walsh,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
But the colonel had developed a gambling addiction to go along with Elvis’ drug dependency.—
Kim Willis,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
These elements can serve as the emotional anchor of any story. 5.—
Colin Dougan,
Rolling Stone,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The Rockets also have a veteran line that will be the anchor for the offense.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Lauren is far from alone in her struggle; There's a subreddit devoted to Feel Free addiction, r/QuittingFeelFree, and a larger community r/QuittingKratom, with more than 50,000 members.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The pain and pleasure of revenge, in other words, were identical to the pain and pleasure associated with addiction.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
More durable and efficient rigs might help U.S. miners grow operations and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Roberts once compared it to Dred Scott, but reliance interests are massive.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Other things like inadequate sleep and unhealthy lifestyle habits can exacerbate feelings of tiredness, reducing resilience and increasing the risk of burnout.—
Nancy Pulciano,
Rolling Stone,
6 Aug. 2025
-
When leaders foster a culture that encourages these habits, employees can be more present, productive and effective.—
John Abusaid,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share