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
While the company has since added a suicide prevention pop-up triggered by certain keywords, pop-ups don’t prevent unhealthy emotional dependence on the bots.
—
Annie Chestnut Tutor, Boston Herald, 18 Aug. 2025
Berlin is now screening Chinese investments and reducing dependence on authoritarian suppliers.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025
To reduce dependence on U.S.-centric systems, China is localizing its entire value chain—from raw materials to high-end products—supporting SMEs and promoting more balanced wealth distribution.
—Time, 6 Aug. 2025
In 1896, the Impressionist painter William Merritt Chase was ready to declare independence from the rigid hierarchies of the New York art scene and its dependence on European masters and methods.
—Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Annie Chestnut Tutor, Boston Herald, 18 Aug. 2025
Berlin is now screening Chinese investments and reducing dependence on authoritarian suppliers.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025
To reduce dependence on U.S.-centric systems, China is localizing its entire value chain—from raw materials to high-end products—supporting SMEs and promoting more balanced wealth distribution.
—Time, 6 Aug. 2025
In 1896, the Impressionist painter William Merritt Chase was ready to declare independence from the rigid hierarchies of the New York art scene and its dependence on European masters and methods.
—Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
Cross-functional dependencies, cited by 56% of finance leaders in the Ledge survey, stall workflows when responsibilities are unclear or tasks overlap.—
Shagun Malhotra,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Both sides are working to reduce these dependencies, but these efforts could take years.—
Washington Post Editorial Board,
Twin Cities,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Even anchors, waders, fishing gear, life jackets and floaties can introduce the species.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Some anchors grappled with addressing yet another mass shooting, as well as the 44th school shooting this year, per CNN.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This Jeep fixation is a kind of addiction, but Dinkins, a hospice nurse living in Laingsburg, Michigan, near Lansing, loves it.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
24 Aug. 2025
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Paloma Chavez,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Coffee and Insomnia Not getting enough quality sleep and drinking coffee can lead to a cycle of coffee reliance and insomnia.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
28 Aug. 2025
-
China is a dominant supplier of many critical minerals and most rare earths, and the U.S. is looking for ways to reduce its reliance on the country.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Contrary to popular belief, smaller, quieter relationship habits are the ones that do most of the heavy lifting in sustaining intimacy, than lofty promises do.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Eclipses in this zone are wake-up calls, reminding you that daily habits either lift you or drain you.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share