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 Aside from data privacy concerns, forming emotional attachments to AI bots has also raised questions about the risk for developing an emotional dependence, forming unhealthy coping mechanisms or possibly falling victim to manipulation. Angela Yang, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025 But the truth is that both countries’ efforts to reduce their mutual trade dependence long predated the 2020 pandemic and substantially undergirded the Phase One deal’s failure. Brendan Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025 The focus of Thursday's summit will be finances, and how to set the EU up as quickly as possible to provide for its own security, and help Ukraine, while breaking with decades of dependence on the U.S. defense umbrella. arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025 The goal is clear: reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build a self-sufficient technology ecosystem. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • While many Russian and Ukrainian drone makers use Chinese parts, this creates a supply chain dependency.
    David Hambling, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The filing outlines potential risks, including the inability to complete a business combination, dependency on the trust account funds, and potential adverse effects from geopolitical events and market conditions.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Bret Baier currently serves as FOX News Channel's (FNC) anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier (weeknights at 6-7PM/ET), chief political anchor of the network and co-anchor of the network’s election coverage.
    Bret Baier, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The words hold a special meaning for the morning anchor.
    Effie Orfanides, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • During the council’s final vote, several members shared their own stories of addiction and loss because of tobacco.
    Jodi Radke, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The state agencies charged with addressing hard drug addiction and the safe use of cannabis are failing to educate the public as to the dangers of drug use.
    Howard Husock, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The report highlights Iran’s escalating reliance on technology to monitor and punish women defying the mandatory dress code.
    Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
  • By reducing reliance on manual transcription and hardware maintenance, the SSA projects annual savings of about $5 million.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Incorporating small, intentional health habits into daily routines can yield significant physical and emotional benefits.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
  • When Mercury moves into Pisces on March 30, your mindset and communication habits come under review.
    Colin Bedell, Them, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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