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
The agreement became foundational to peace in the region, given the dependence of both countries on the Indus basin water system for irrigating their agricultural lands.
—
Chad De Guzman, Time, 7 May 2025
The surest sign, perhaps, of the business’s increasing irrelevance is its dependence on the kind of social-media star power its gatekeepers still don’t fully understand.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Now, Beijing is betting that America will not be able to significantly reduce its dependence on cheap goods from China.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 4 May 2025
In an acknowledgment of America’s dependence on Chinese manufacturing, the Trump administration exempted Chinese smartphones, computers, semiconductors and other electronics from reciprocal tariffs, though that move could be temporary.
—David Pierson, New York Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Chad De Guzman, Time, 7 May 2025
The surest sign, perhaps, of the business’s increasing irrelevance is its dependence on the kind of social-media star power its gatekeepers still don’t fully understand.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Now, Beijing is betting that America will not be able to significantly reduce its dependence on cheap goods from China.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 4 May 2025
In an acknowledgment of America’s dependence on Chinese manufacturing, the Trump administration exempted Chinese smartphones, computers, semiconductors and other electronics from reciprocal tariffs, though that move could be temporary.
—David Pierson, New York Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
The unit is eco-friendly and energy-efficient, helping to reduce both power usage and chemical dependency.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
The dependency problem arises in any group with falling population, regardless of government programs.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Inductees include World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and feminist icon Gloria Steinem.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2025
-
Corporate venture capital investors can ease this by facilitating scale within their parent company, becoming an anchor client, testing out ways to engage with clients, supporting the company’s PR or joining sales meetings.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2025
-
But Rue’s story is rooted in addiction, mental illness, and survival—more reflective of an adult world than the everyday experiences of Black teens.—
Krysta Hawkins,
Vogue,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, there are clear signals that China is using this window not to deepen or even stabilize reliance on the U.S., but to continue reducing it.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
-
However, heavy reliance on external, particularly Chinese, financing could derail the project.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Encourage critical thinking, discussions about activism or policy, and personal responsibility, such as changing their consumption habits or volunteering.—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
14 May 2025
-
Develop active listening habits Practice focusing entirely on what others are saying rather than formulating your response.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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