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 See video … LISTEN Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST to learn how the White House plans to strengthen control over critical minerals while reducing dependence on China. FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Consumer discretionary stocks face risks owing to their dependence on imports and the direct cost impact of tariffs. Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 Biological organisms appear to share this dependence on time. Anna Demming, Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025 This isolated upbringing, Lieberman explained, fostered a strong emotional dependence in Ed. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Europe’s over-reliance on Chinese manufacturing and American defence technology has created dual dependencies that undermine strategic autonomy.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Among the allegations, the USTR determined that China uses state subsidies to lessen competition and create dependencies on the country for non-market entrants.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After divorcing their previous partners and publicizing their relationship, the ex-GMA3 co-anchors hit many relationship milestones, including moving in together.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The former co-anchors made the decision to marry about a month ago.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The site sits just north of a Salvation Army addiction treatment center and west of neighborhoods near the intersection of Tibbs Avenue and Lafayette Road.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Alex is present as well, but beneath his gregarious personality is deep insecurity and pressure centering on his position at his law firm, his increasingly ballooning debt and a debilitating pain-pill addiction.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Prior to this year, many HSPH researchers saw the school’s reliance on federal funds as a strength.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Anyway, the Danish study was criticized — in the same journal that had published it — for its reliance on a very small sample of children.
    Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The trend's noon cutoff is also arbitrary, and while the habits are beneficial, the timing and exact numbers may not suit everyone's needs or lifestyles — and may not always be possible.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Millan recommends observing your dog’s bathroom habits and structuring your potty training around their daily rhythms.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dependence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!