interdependence
noun
in·ter·de·pen·dence
ˌin-tər-di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants
or interdependency
plural interdependences or interdependencies
1
: the state of being dependent upon one another : mutual dependence
interdependence of the two nations' economies
… a form of symbiosis, of close mutual interdependence of two species of organisms.—
Marston Bates
Marston Bates… the deep psychological interdependence between ourselves and those we love.—Judith A. Savage
Judith A. Savage… understood the interdependence of mental, physical, and spiritual health.—Donald N. Levine
Donald N. LevineBut plants happen to grow in these little universes we call ecosystems, where they are sustained by complex webs of interdependency with fungi, microbes, animals, and other plants.—Kenneth Brower
Kenneth Brower2
: a mutually dependent relationship
Growing global interdependencies further muddy the debate, making it harder to know who "we" are and what "our" national interests really are.—Peter H. Schuck
Peter H. SchuckThere are complex interdependences among these factors …—Victor H. Benenberg
Victor H. BenenbergExamples of interdependence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One built not on ideology, but on common interests, cooperation, and global interdependence.
—Elena Bou, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
There have also been several studies examining the effects of social interdependence and similar social contexts on children's ability to delay gratification, using variations of the marshmallow test paradigm.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025
Instead, the United States should invest quietly in its military readiness and capabilities, speak carefully, and maintain economic resilience and even some interdependence.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Ensure balanced investment across all three pillars, recognizing their interdependence.
3.
—Meeky Hwang, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for interdependence
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Elena Bou, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
There have also been several studies examining the effects of social interdependence and similar social contexts on children's ability to delay gratification, using variations of the marshmallow test paradigm.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025
Instead, the United States should invest quietly in its military readiness and capabilities, speak carefully, and maintain economic resilience and even some interdependence.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Ensure balanced investment across all three pillars, recognizing their interdependence.
3.
—Meeky Hwang, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for interdependence
Cite this Entry
“Interdependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interdependence. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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