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 Benjamin Bucher Joyce, a 22-year-old African-Chinese dancer, tries to find her way in Europe – torn between artistic and identity-related self-discovery and financial dependence on her mother’s TikTok business. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025 This dependence might explain why US CEOs tread carefully while speaking up on political and contentious policy issues. Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The company identified risks related to its business operations, including the need for additional financing, dependence on third-party networks, and potential regulatory challenges. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Apr. 2025 Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • But experts say having ongoing conversations about a teen's experience on social media and teaching them to build healthy digital habits is critical.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 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 20 Apr. 2025.

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