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
The shift is from seeing security as a function of competition to seeing it as a function of interdependence.
—Winslow Myers, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
In nature, thriving ecosystems demonstrate a remarkable balance of interdependence and inclusivity.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
The supply chain issues that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the dangers of interdependence.
—Roger W. Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2025
Despite rising tensions, Wong suggested that a complete decoupling of the U.S. and Chinese economies is unlikely due to their deep interdependence, according to the Times.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
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Winslow Myers, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
In nature, thriving ecosystems demonstrate a remarkable balance of interdependence and inclusivity.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
The supply chain issues that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the dangers of interdependence.
—Roger W. Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2025
Despite rising tensions, Wong suggested that a complete decoupling of the U.S. and Chinese economies is unlikely due to their deep interdependence, according to the Times.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for interdependence
Dictionary Entries Near interdependence
Cite this Entry
“Interdependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interdependence. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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