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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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.
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Recent Examples of dependence
The filing highlights the company's dependence on additional funding to continue its operations and research activities.
—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
The Trump advisor’s dumb move may also be symptomatic of our growing addiction to smartphones and dependence on Zoom meetings.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
At the same time, such usage was associated with lower emotional dependence.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2025
Because of the pervasive influence of death and black metal’s dependence on themes of depression, pessimism, and negativity, and dime-store Satanism — some lyrics can seem pro forma.
—Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
The Trump advisor’s dumb move may also be symptomatic of our growing addiction to smartphones and dependence on Zoom meetings.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
At the same time, such usage was associated with lower emotional dependence.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2025
Because of the pervasive influence of death and black metal’s dependence on themes of depression, pessimism, and negativity, and dime-store Satanism — some lyrics can seem pro forma.
—Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, SRI focuses on enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing chemical dependency, and promoting water conservation.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
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The nonprofit views its cash transfers not as handouts perpetuating a cycle of dependency, but as starting capital that recipients can use to invest in a new life.—
Erika Page,
Christian Science Monitor,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Our economic anchors — health care, professional services and public administration — continue to create jobs and opportunity.—
Shelonda Stokes,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2025
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Speaking of which, this additional setup is secured to the front of the chassis and the rear axle by side anchors.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Simone Jasper,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2025
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While a large body of research has found the approach to be effective for a majority of participants, many conservative leaders believe the emphasis on housing has come at the expense of expanding other key services, such as addiction treatment.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Frequent exposure to allergens can trigger ongoing immune responses that disrupt sleep, lead to fatigue, impact appearance, and increase reliance on medication, Bassett said.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Apr. 2025
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UConn is different from most teams in its guard reliance.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Adopt or maintain healthy habits: Stress and illness can trigger allergic asthma.—
Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
9 Apr. 2025
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Other challenges include evolving habits and the need to bring decorative lighting back into focus, reaffirming its role in contemporary interiors.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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