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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dependence To avoid the most negative outcomes including overspending, compulsive gambling, and financial dependence on others, money status seekers should take a step back. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 May 2025 The scope of these enormous solar storms is important to understand for technology experts in the 21st century, which is much more vulnerable to the whims of the sun due to society's dependence on electronic systems and space technologies. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 19 May 2025 That includes the slight reduction in dependence on uninsured deposits. Peter Coy, New York Times, 17 May 2025 The implementation of data analytics allows investors to make more informed decisions, reduce dependence on the human factor and increase the objectivity of their assessments. Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Non-Maintainable Systems Lack of clean code structure, high entropy in the codebase, absence of modularity, dependency chaos, difficult debugging and lack of documentation can occur when applying vibe coding without a core engineering mindset.
    Naresh Prajapati, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Though there’s a conversation about reducing the industry’s dependency on fossil fuels, Simon Giuliani, Candiani Denim’s global marketing director, said one challenge as a producer and manufacturer is investing in new technology that brands may or may not adopt.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • One of the most striking parts of the show is the Kells' home, the Cliff House, a sprawling mansion with a massive anchor sunken into the front of the house.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • On Wednesday, May 21, morning news anchor Olivia Jaquith opened her live, three-hour telecast with some exciting news about her incoming baby, who was already two days past his due date.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • For more: read Jamie Lee Curtis, in conversation with Rachel Syme, on addiction, beauty standards, and encounters with Bette Davis.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
  • And with people who are health-conscious, the amount of alcohol or any other addiction is extremely low.
    Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • But travel remains plagued by inefficiencies with disconnected booking systems, delays without real-time resolution and reliance on legacy infrastructure and software that slow rather than facilitate the journey.
    Omry Litvak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Then, on May 15, Mr. Trump demanded that Apple stop its yearslong efforts to reduce its reliance on China and make iPhones in India.
    Alex Travelli, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Standout Interviewee Habits: How to Take Things to the Next Level Deliver a clear personal pitch To stand out from the crowd, Marino-Briggs recommends a few key habits.
    Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • In addition, he’s also made a habit of gathering a handful of players together every night for a dinner at the Cowboys’ members-only speakeasy restaurant on the top level of The Star in Frisco, Cowboys Club.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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