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 Establishing a gold reserve also provides a safeguard against foreign economic powers and decreases dependence on other currencies. Kat Tretina, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 Other states are establishing potency limits The use of products high in THC has been linked to greater risk of cannabis dependence and adverse mental health outcomes. Katharine Neill Harris, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 The doctrine lost all legitimacy through its dependence on American global power and the hopeless contradictions this has entailed. Anatol Lieven, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 Over the last decade, Washington has tried to reduce its dependence on its big local employer. Campbell Robertson, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Those calls could include requests for help with mental health crises, drug and chemical dependencies, memory care and senior care issues.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Cross-border commerce has been a major driver of growth in Mexico, but dependency on the U.S. is now a liability for Mexico.
    Nathaniel Parish Flannery, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Other prominent commencement speakers who’ve been recently announced include actress Jane Seymour at High Point University, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) at Albion College, Today show anchor Al Roker at Siena College, and Grammy-winning performer Usher at Emory University . .
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Each anchor has a channel with two upward-bent grooves.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The film also explores the darker side of his personality, including his struggles with addiction, tumultuous relationship with the media, and complicated family dynamics.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Passive income streams provide diversification, reducing reliance on any one paycheck.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • China remains a key supplier of minerals to the U.S., ranking second only to Canada in overall net import reliance, and is the principal import source for many of the 50 minerals America considers critical, such as graphite, tantalum and rubidium.
    John Feng, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This could be because viral outrage on social media might come from individuals who weren't customers to begin with or because digital participation in the boycott can sometimes reduce the motivation to take more meaningful action like changing purchasing habits.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Sandler has struck up a habit of shouting out Chalamet's name in recent weeks, first during Nikki Glaser's monologue at the Golden Globes and again when Chalamet pulled double duty on Saturday Night Live.
    EW.com, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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