interdependence
noun
in·ter·de·pen·dence
ˌin-tər-di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants
or interdependency
plural interdependences or interdependencies
1
: the state of being dependent upon one another : mutual dependence
interdependence of the two nations' economies
… a form of symbiosis, of close mutual interdependence of two species of organisms.—
Marston Bates
Marston Bates… the deep psychological interdependence between ourselves and those we love.—Judith A. Savage
Judith A. Savage… understood the interdependence of mental, physical, and spiritual health.—Donald N. Levine
Donald N. LevineBut plants happen to grow in these little universes we call ecosystems, where they are sustained by complex webs of interdependency with fungi, microbes, animals, and other plants.—Kenneth Brower
Kenneth Brower2
: a mutually dependent relationship
Growing global interdependencies further muddy the debate, making it harder to know who "we" are and what "our" national interests really are.—Peter H. Schuck
Peter H. SchuckThere are complex interdependences among these factors …—Victor H. Benenberg
Victor H. BenenbergExamples of interdependence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead, the United States should invest quietly in its military readiness and capabilities, speak carefully, and maintain economic resilience and even some interdependence.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Ensure balanced investment across all three pillars, recognizing their interdependence.
3.
—Meeky Hwang, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
With just over 78% of Mexico’s exports going to the U.S., and some companies considering expanding their presence in Mexico, the economic interdependence between these nations cannot be overstated.
—Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Set Strong Boundaries Moderate interdependence, like with neighbors or casual friends, breeds comfort without suffocation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for interdependence
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Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Ensure balanced investment across all three pillars, recognizing their interdependence.
3.
—Meeky Hwang, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
With just over 78% of Mexico’s exports going to the U.S., and some companies considering expanding their presence in Mexico, the economic interdependence between these nations cannot be overstated.
—Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Set Strong Boundaries Moderate interdependence, like with neighbors or casual friends, breeds comfort without suffocation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for interdependence
Cite this Entry
“Interdependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interdependence. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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