dependency
noun
de·pen·den·cy
di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 
plural dependencies
2
: something that is dependent on something else
especially
: a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3
: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling
Synonyms of dependency
Examples of dependency in a Sentence
the country's dependency on foreign oil
a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Literacy restores economic agency, improves long-term earnings, and reduces recidivism, lowering dependency and vulnerability to criminal exploitation.
—
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
In multiple phone calls from jail, Nathan Gingles discussed the dependency court case, asking his friend in Texas to pass along information and criticizing Mary’s sister, who was fighting for custody against Schuler.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
There’s no magic fix for Bill’s sadness, nor his drug dependency for many years.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
After his release, Milano taught art therapy and counselled people with drug and alcohol dependencies in western Massachusetts.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependency
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Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
In multiple phone calls from jail, Nathan Gingles discussed the dependency court case, asking his friend in Texas to pass along information and criticizing Mary’s sister, who was fighting for custody against Schuler.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
There’s no magic fix for Bill’s sadness, nor his drug dependency for many years.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
After his release, Milano taught art therapy and counselled people with drug and alcohol dependencies in western Massachusetts.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Cite this Entry
“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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