depend on/upon
phrasal verb
depended on/upon; depending on/upon; depends on/upon
1
: to be determined or decided by (something)
We're not sure if we'll have the picnic. It depends on the weather.
"Will you go back to college?" "I don't know. It depends on whether or not I can afford it."
The stamp's value depends on how rare it is.
Depending upon your child's weight and height, she or he may have to sit in the back seat of the car.
2
: to need (someone or something) for support, help, etc.
He no longer depends on his parents for money.
They depend heavily/largely/solely/entirely on her income to pay the bills.
3
: to be sure about (someone or something) : to trust (someone or something)
The manufacturer promises quality you can depend on.
She will be remembered as a woman upon whom people could depend.
—sometimes used humorouslyI can always depend on it to rain on days when I forget my umbrella.
Examples of depend on/upon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With climate challenges intensifying, the future of the Olympic Games, and the athletes who inspire millions who watch them, will depend on bold, decisive leadership.
—
Claire Poole, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
With independent access to satellite intelligence, Poland won't depend on American data to use HIMARS effectively.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This will really depend on the type of glass cleaner.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
The health risks posed by benzene depend on the amount, route, and length of exposure.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depend on/upon
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Claire Poole, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
With independent access to satellite intelligence, Poland won't depend on American data to use HIMARS effectively.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This will really depend on the type of glass cleaner.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
The health risks posed by benzene depend on the amount, route, and length of exposure.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depend on/upon
Cite this Entry
“Depend on/upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depend%20on%2Fupon. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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