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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Audiences, media, and society establish relations of different degrees of dependence that are derived from different factors.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
The Iran war has exacerbated the price pressure, exposing California's dependence in large part on foreign imports, some analysts said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 May 2026
Give Californians more control over their energy, reduce dependence on gasoline and lower costs in a way that lasts.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
The Iran war has exacerbated the price pressure, exposing California's dependence in large part on foreign imports, some analysts said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 May 2026
Give Californians more control over their energy, reduce dependence on gasoline and lower costs in a way that lasts.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
Aleksandar Pavlovic is a penetrative passer and a fine orchestrator, but without replicating his abilities, Bayern risk creating a dependency and becoming reliant on a solitary source of quick, forward possession.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Though the financing has eased some of the pressure, analysts have warned that no quick fixes exist for Egypt’s import dependency, forcing Cairo to turn to Chinese green tech to boost long-term renewable energy production and self-reliance.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
4 May 2026
Noun
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While more experienced doctors might have the ability to fall back on years of clinical expertise, some worry that reliance on such a medical tool might lead to dependence and misplaced confidence among medical students and junior doctors.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
-
My analysis suggests that fully utilizing California’s current in-state SAF production capacity could reduce the cost of gasoline production by roughly 20 to 40 cents per gallon by increasing supply flexibility and reducing reliance on higher-cost imports.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
But behind the scenes, Lebron, 32, tells PEOPLE, the new influx of cash was financing a severe drug addiction.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
-
Murdaugh also testified on his own behalf, admitting to lying to law enforcement and his yearslong addiction to opioids that often led to tension within his household.—
Pilar Melendez,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Following the order each state joined the union, an anchor or correspondent has gone on the road to showcase its personality.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2026
-
Other new lineup tweaks includes Symone Sanders Townsend and Michael Steele joining new co-anchor Luke Russert on The Weeknight.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Its backbone of piney juniper supported a bouquet of deeply briny flavors.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 2026
-
The cosmic web forms the backbone of the universe.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Alongside schools and transportation, public safety is one of the foundational pillars of a strong and growing county.—
Nick Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
-
Give me 20 ideas across my content pillars of [list 3-4 themes].—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
From ordering groceries to using AI to write for us, the digital world has become a facilitator but also a crutch.—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
20 Apr. 2026
-
In some ways, these formal elements could serve as a crutch for the show, the main distinguishing feature in its arsenal.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To help boost business in the district, Arenas re-established the office of economic development, which is meant to coordinate business efforts outside of the region’s cities, including agriculture, a mainstay of South County.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
-
Founded in 1963, that gallery is still considered one of the most important ones in Switzerland, a country rich with blue-chip art spaces, and remains a mainstay not only in the international art world but also the international art press.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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