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
That dependence increases vulnerability to cyberattacks.
—
Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025
The response to the spending freeze revealed the extent of government dependence.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 1 Feb. 2025
These include preserving macroeconomic and financial stability, dollar hegemony, and a functional and rules-based international trading system, as well as breaking U.S. and allied dependence on the Chinese market.
—Eyck Freymann, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2025
Since then, Minsk’s dependence on Moscow has only deepened.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025
The response to the spending freeze revealed the extent of government dependence.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 1 Feb. 2025
These include preserving macroeconomic and financial stability, dollar hegemony, and a functional and rules-based international trading system, as well as breaking U.S. and allied dependence on the Chinese market.
—Eyck Freymann, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2025
Since then, Minsk’s dependence on Moscow has only deepened.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
In interviews, several recognized the need to streamline its bureaucracy, and even questioned an aid system that relies so heavily on American contractors and fosters a damaging culture of dependency among African governments.—
Declan Walsh,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
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But the deeper transformation of supply chains that policymakers envisioned — rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing dependencies on China — remains largely unrealized.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The Crossroads, with its First Friday celebrations and numerous food and beverage options, seemed like the perfect place to drop anchor.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
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Major Garrett will become the full-time anchor of America Decides on the CBS News 24/7 streaming network, while continuing as CBS News chief Washington correspondent.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In interviews, Payne tied his addictions to his experiences on the road.—
Federico Fahsbender,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2025
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The federal government has long sought to prevent the horrors of drug addiction by interdicting the supply of dangerous psychoactive drugs -- and reducing demand for them.—
Paul J. Larkin,
National Review,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Sourcing the minerals from Ukraine would reduce future reliance on Russia and China.—
Samya Kullab and Hanna Arhirova,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2025
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As widely expected, the White House has run out of patience for Europe's reliance on Washington to carry the bulk of the burden with defense spending.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
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With moviegoing habits scrambled in the age of streaming, movie theaters have lost some of their luster as anchor tenants at shopping malls and other commercial centers.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2025
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The committee appointed from the various churches of town for the purpose of visiting families not in the habit of attending church held a special meeting at the Presbyterian church last evening and organized for work.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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