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 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
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
  • Cutting China out of the supply chain removes a critical dependency.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Our economic anchors — health care, professional services and public administration — continue to create jobs and opportunity.
    Shelonda Stokes, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The always great Clark Gregg adds tragic anxiety in assuming Ray Wise’s film role as Don Hollenbeck — a CBS anchor who can’t get past the barbs in the press over his left-leaning past.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • During Allen’s parole hearing, Jerry Goodwin, then warden at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, where Allen was being held, lauded Allen for his tireless work overcoming his drug addictions and improving his communication skills.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • During the second part of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14 reunion, the sisters provided an update on how the former reality star was faring after relapsing into her alcohol addiction.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • UConn is different from most teams in its guard reliance.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Adopt or maintain healthy habits: Stress and illness can trigger allergic asthma.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Through adapting to changing work cultures and embracing healthier work habits, professionals can create a more fulfilling and sustainable balance between work and life.
    Raquel Gomes, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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