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as in conditional
determined by something else
our going to the movies tonight is dependent on whether or not we have any money left after we eat out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in parasite
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dependent
ABC News, 1 May 2026
Their deaths occurred at the front end of the system, often shortly after booking, when people are most vulnerable and most dependent on the institution for care.
—Dave Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Although tempting, your beloved cat or dog doesn’t qualify as a dependent.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependent
Adjective
Their eligibility is dependent in part on not having a felony conviction, a significant misdemeanor or three misdemeanors.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
Their deaths occurred at the front end of the system, often shortly after booking, when people are most vulnerable and most dependent on the institution for care.
—Dave Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
Noun
Julie Ann Leon, 45, of the 2000 block of Damon Street in Portage, now faces a Level 6 felony charge of neglect of a dependent.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Although tempting, your beloved cat or dog doesn’t qualify as a dependent.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependent
Adjective
-
While the design here is emphatically traditional, a dose of modern whimsy comes through with a dangling, multi-floor chandelier loosely inspired by jellyfish.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Cernan, the junior pilot, was outside, dangling—actually spinning, tumbling, and flailing—at the end of a long umbilical cord, completely unable to control his movements.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
What once felt like a relationship started to feel like a lease; renewable, conditional, easy to terminate.—
Stephanie Hind,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
-
Specifically, the Aurora City Council voted Tuesday to give the new Superjumbo Records and Arcade a conditional use for Special Purpose Recreational Institution — which is required for the arcade portion of the business to operate.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
While viral infections are the most common cause in the United States, bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause the condition.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Florida Museum of Natural History notes that the pythons have also introduced harmful non-native parasites to Florida and reduced medium-sized mammal populations by more than 90%, significantly changing the Everglades ecosystem.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2026
-
To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Even the song’s big moment—the climactic return—is muted and tentative here, as what should be the triumphant riff stalls out before its final note.—
Stephen M. Deusner,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The city council, meeting as the HRA, will likely vote on tentative developer status for the two developers on May 6.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Crappie like to hover below their prey, fining in place and examining slow-swimming invertebrates such as damselfly, dragonfly, and mayfly nymphs, as well as small leeches.—
Cory Schmidt,
Outdoor Life,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The jungle, in the Truong Son range between Laos and the South China Sea, is home to tigers and leeches.—
Nicole Young,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Fruit, ginger shots, sea moss beverages, tea, and water were on hand, in alignment with her alcohol-free rider and commitment to sobriety.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, early versions of mollusks and sponges populated the seafloor as jellyfish floated above.—
Marlowe Starling,
Quanta Magazine,
1 May 2026
-
Sprinkle baking soda into your sink, then scrub with a wet sponge or cloth.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependent. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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