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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Examples 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 With that prospect in mind, Mexican businesses well beyond the auto industry are seeking to limit their dependence on components from China while lining up North American substitutes. Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024 New research has found that an existing ADHD medication greatly reduced the number of days people with a methamphetamine dependence used the drug. New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024 There was increasing anxiety about the dependence of the production process on this one single mineral source in a remote, isolated location. Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 The company is subject to risks common in the biopharmaceutical industry, including regulatory compliance, dependence on key personnel, and competition from other products. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Quantifying vulnerabilities within the supply chain by evaluating location risks, product dependencies, transportation lanes, and financial stability.
    Ashok Viswanathan, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Some of the tech elites claimed that America's dependency on foreign workers is due to America's failing education system.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Supply chain localization may accelerate as companies reduce reliance on distant suppliers and mitigate geopolitical risks.
    Rusty Wiley, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 17 Jan. 2025.

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