dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants
or less commonly dependance
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially
: the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers
Examples of dependence in a Sentence
The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
a harmful dependence on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Shelvey, who played for Liverpool, Swansea City and Newcastle United in the Premier League, said his dependence impacted his relationship with his children.
—
Tom Burrows, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Build systems that reduce dependence on you.
—Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Abruptly stopping alcohol if your body has a physiological dependence on it can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, and anxiety.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026
The practice left the company exposed to cash-flow disruptions, increased its dependence on external financing, and became a vehicle for fraud, the indictment alleges.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
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.
Tom Burrows, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Build systems that reduce dependence on you.
—Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Abruptly stopping alcohol if your body has a physiological dependence on it can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, and anxiety.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026
The practice left the company exposed to cash-flow disruptions, increased its dependence on external financing, and became a vehicle for fraud, the indictment alleges.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dependence
noun
de·pen·dence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
