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 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 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Hunter, fisherman, chef and award-winning author Jesse Griffiths and Tamara Mayfield opened Dai Due restaurant and butcher shop in 2014 as an outgrowth of their popular supper club and farmers market stand, and the seasonal and local ethos of a farmers market is the anchor of this rustic beauty.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In interviews, Payne tied his addictions to his experiences on the road.
    Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • 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
  • By promoting local inventory, Temu’s products not only arrive faster to shoppers’ doorsteps, but the company also reduces its reliance on sellers who ship direct from China.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The increase is intended to help thousands of workers achieve greater financial stability and reduce reliance on public assistance programs.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Even though the market has turned its back on the runaway spending habits on AI by the big hyperscalers, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy was confident on the call that these investments will be worth it in the long run.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
  • 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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