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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dependence
Plus, in addition to bringing back master-of-disguise penguin villain Feathers McGraw, the movie features a convincing while never pedantic message about our dependence on technology and the pleasures of doing things by hand.
—
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
In recent months, Ukrainian officials have become more alarmed by the country’s dependence on Telegram, as worries that the app was used as a vector of disinformation and a spying tool for Russia have mushroomed.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, The Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2025
Joseph Schacht, associate professor of psychiatry-substance dependence at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, studies the effects of alcohol on the brain.
—April Fulton, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025
Carter also warned frequently about American dependence on foreign oil.
—Alex Newman, ABC News, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence 
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
In recent months, Ukrainian officials have become more alarmed by the country’s dependence on Telegram, as worries that the app was used as a vector of disinformation and a spying tool for Russia have mushroomed.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, The Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2025
Joseph Schacht, associate professor of psychiatry-substance dependence at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, studies the effects of alcohol on the brain.
—April Fulton, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025
Carter also warned frequently about American dependence on foreign oil.
—Alex Newman, ABC News, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
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Despite many challenges like reducing oil dependency, ensuring political stability amid sectarian divides and managing environmental crises, the Sudani government must focus on protecting the state.—
James Durso,
The Hill,
16 Jan. 2025
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Along with the many technological and safety advances in this surgery, there have also been innovations in its ability to not only restore vision but also to reduce dependency on glasses following the procedure.—
Perri Ormont Blumberg,
TIME,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Don Lemon is predicting a major comeback for Matt Lauer, eight years after the former news anchor's colossal fall from grace.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
23 Jan. 2025
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As for Lemon, the former CNN anchor was fired from the network in 2023 after Variety published a report on his alleged sexist behavior towards female colleagues through the years.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But behind those are people who suffer from nonfatal overdose, and behind those are the people who suffer from addiction.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial component of the global energy transition, offering a versatile and clean fuel option that could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
25 Jan. 2025
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Why Sustainability and Ethics Can’t Be Afterthoughts At the heart of Boohoo’s challenges is its reliance on a high-volume, low-cost production model that no longer resonates with modern consumers.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Instead, several scenes are given over to her wacky habit of posting too much info on Facebook.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2025
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Venus is pushing you to reconsider your investments — personally, professionally and emotionally — while Mars retrograde urges you to revisit everything from your daily habits to the dynamic of your day-to-day affairs.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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