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
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support
ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state
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3
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs
acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dependence
The current crisis presents an historic opportunity to consider radical solutions to universities’ heavy dependence on federal funding.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
Another issue is physiological dependence from alcohol and problems stemming from a condition called alcohol use disorder.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
The company identified risks related to its business operations, including the need for additional financing, dependence on third-party networks, and potential regulatory challenges.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Apr. 2025
Tariffs from Trump's first term and former President Joe Biden's technological restrictions on Chinese companies have pushed the tech giant to diversify its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
Another issue is physiological dependence from alcohol and problems stemming from a condition called alcohol use disorder.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
The company identified risks related to its business operations, including the need for additional financing, dependence on third-party networks, and potential regulatory challenges.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Apr. 2025
Tariffs from Trump's first term and former President Joe Biden's technological restrictions on Chinese companies have pushed the tech giant to diversify its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
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Rapid expansion without profitability is a recipe for dependency on external funding.—
Jonathan Low,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Over time, this dynamic may develop into a toxic cycle of dependency.—
Eddie Brummelman,
Scientific American,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Most recently a reporter with CBS News Detroit, Andres brings more than a decade of award-winning breaking news reporting and fill-in anchor experience across several markets including Kansas City, Missouri and Dallas, Texas.—
Andres Gutierrez,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2025
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Jim Acosta, a former chief White House correspondent and anchor for CNN, has signed with WME for representation.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Measures are in place to help people struggling with addiction, such as fentanyl test strips and the use of Narcan to rescue a person currently overdosing on opioids.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Kennedy described addiction as both a source of misery and a symptom of deeper pain, drawing from his own experience of trying to fill an emotional void with drugs.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Of further concern is the growing reliance on premium offerings, such as Imax, which are driving more of a film’s bottom line.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Apr. 2025
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Because of its reliance on its richest people, California’s economy is sensitive to extreme booms and busts in equities and debt markets.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This highlights the immense impact of AI on people’s spending habits.—
Roman Eloshvili,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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What things like weekly releases, time slots, and appointment television do is establish a habit.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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