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
For Russia, the threat derives not merely from its former southern colonies breaking out of post-Soviet dependence but also from the potential instability within its own borders should ethnic Turkic regions such as the Tatarstan and Buryatia feel inspired to follow suit.
—
Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
The problem is the nation’s dependence upon China for the mineral graphite used in batteries powering everything from watches to weapons systems.
—Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
Such arrangements would reduce Ukraine’s dependence on foreign supply chains, fortify its domestic capacity, and foster long-term interoperability with NATO forces.
—Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
This dependence curtails privacy, limits use, and reinforces existing gender norms.
—Trickleup, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
The problem is the nation’s dependence upon China for the mineral graphite used in batteries powering everything from watches to weapons systems.
—Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
Such arrangements would reduce Ukraine’s dependence on foreign supply chains, fortify its domestic capacity, and foster long-term interoperability with NATO forces.
—Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
This dependence curtails privacy, limits use, and reinforces existing gender norms.
—Trickleup, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
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Only 5% of companies assess their environmental impacts, fewer than 1% understand their dependencies on nature.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Simultaneously, the labor market is quickly transitioning off its dependency on government and back to the productive private sector.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
These include fold-down aft bulwarks that enlarge the beach club area when at anchor (a feature first seen on the GTX 80) and a vertically sliding glass partition that separates the aft deck seating area from the interior bar and galley.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
23 July 2025
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Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell said Macerich, the owner of the mall but not all of the anchor stores, has expressed interest in adding new shopping and restaurants in and around the mall site.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
They are individually haunted by grief and addiction, unable to really be what each other needs.—
Hattie Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
-
That none of its victims died provides a glimmer of hope that the scourge of addiction has emerged from the shadows of society.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Since the decision, the Dutch government has sought to reduce emissions by phasing out the use of coal, increasing reliance on renewable energy and aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.—
Dana Zartner,
The Conversation,
23 July 2025
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The move builds on CJ ENM’s growing ties with Saudi Arabia, which has become the Middle East and North Africa’s fastest growing media and entertainment market in the wake of its opening up in 2017 as part of its 2030 strategy moving the economy away from a reliance on oil.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
Noun
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The United States has tried repeatedly to wean itself off immigrant employment, but cheap labor is a tough habit to kick.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
26 July 2025
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This formula/habit/trend does not typically occur across the pond, so shortening 'Edgware Road' to 'Edgware,' does pose an issue.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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