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 Such changes would bolster domestic manufacturing, generate good-paying jobs and reduce dependence on imports from China and Russia. Toby Overdorf, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2025 Subject to the antitrust laws, allowing utilities to own and operate generation would introduce greater stability, reduce dependence on out-of-state suppliers and improve overall grid resilience. H. Russell Frisby, Baltimore Sun, 16 Feb. 2025 But President Richard Nixon’s 10% tariffs on all imports in 1972 pushed Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau—Justin’s father—to try once again to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on America. Stephen Maher, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025 Many people recover from alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder with proper medical supervision. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Such a deal would reduce US dependency on China, and provide significant incentive for the United States to boost Ukrainian security, a US official familiar with negotiations told CNN.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Each step has strong dependencies on the preceding steps.
    Mark Settle, Forbes, 20 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
  • True Link Financial offers a debit card with spending controls expressly designed for people with dementia, other cognitive deficits or addiction issues.
    Lindsey Choo, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Smith also talks about the band’s recent new singles, addiction and sobriety and his earliest musical influences.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Sourcing the minerals from Ukraine would reduce future reliance on Russia and China.
    Samya Kullab and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Nine of 10 respondents said Canada should reduce its reliance on the United States.
    Kate Linthicum and Denis Calnan Los Angeles Times (TNS), arkansasonline.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And this is already being reflected in Gen Z's current job-seeking habits, with 88 percent using online job boards and 36 percent using artificial intelligence for their applications.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
  • That habit served Verlander for most of his career.
    Justice delos Santos, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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