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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs
acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of dependence
Plus, in addition to bringing back master-of-disguise penguin villain Feathers McGraw, the movie features a convincing while never pedantic message about our dependence on technology and the pleasures of doing things by hand.
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Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
In recent months, Ukrainian officials have become more alarmed by the country’s dependence on Telegram, as worries that the app was used as a vector of disinformation and a spying tool for Russia have mushroomed.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, The Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2025
Joseph Schacht, associate professor of psychiatry-substance dependence at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, studies the effects of alcohol on the brain.
—April Fulton, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025
Carter also warned frequently about American dependence on foreign oil.
—Alex Newman, ABC News, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
In recent months, Ukrainian officials have become more alarmed by the country’s dependence on Telegram, as worries that the app was used as a vector of disinformation and a spying tool for Russia have mushroomed.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, The Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2025
Joseph Schacht, associate professor of psychiatry-substance dependence at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, studies the effects of alcohol on the brain.
—April Fulton, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025
Carter also warned frequently about American dependence on foreign oil.
—Alex Newman, ABC News, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
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Despite many challenges like reducing oil dependency, ensuring political stability amid sectarian divides and managing environmental crises, the Sudani government must focus on protecting the state.James Durso, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
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Along with the many technological and safety advances in this surgery, there have also been innovations in its ability to not only restore vision but also to reduce dependency on glasses following the procedure.Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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With places like Miya as an anchor, my hope is that the restaurants that burned can rebuild and that the Altadena/Pasadena restaurant renewal can continue and become even stronger than before.Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
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The Buckeyes’ defense has been consistently ferocious this season, providing an anchor for an offense that needed to find itself.Chris Branch, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Last year marked the 50th anniversary of Nicholas Meyer’s novel The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, which imagined Sigmund Freud treating Holmes for his addiction to cocaine.Alec Nevala-Lee, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2025
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Supply chain localization may accelerate as companies reduce reliance on distant suppliers and mitigate geopolitical risks.Rusty Wiley, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
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Experts urged reliance on art advisors who can guide clients impacted by the fire to appropriate and reputable resources, as well as professional organizations like the American Institute for Conservation.Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Another headwind was changing viewing habits, with the types of spectator open to French productions increasingly consuming these works on platforms.Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025
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Use this transit to reassess your priorities — think about the long-term effects of your spending habits, and don’t be afraid to lean on a friend for advice.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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