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
Our long-term goal as parents should be interdependence with our adult children, said Ginsburg.
—Lynda Lin Grigsby, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024
This interdependence is reflected in Gartner's prediction that by 2026, over 30% of the increase in demand for APIs will come from AI and tools using large language models.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
The tariffs had a smaller impact on the U.S. trade deficit with China than the latter's 2022 COVID-19 lockdowns, further evidence of their economic interdependence.
—David Kirton, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
Alluding to this interlocking interdependence, Joseph and Sydney have the same tattoo of what resembles a Venn diagram.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for interdependence 
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.
Lynda Lin Grigsby, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024
This interdependence is reflected in Gartner's prediction that by 2026, over 30% of the increase in demand for APIs will come from AI and tools using large language models.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
The tariffs had a smaller impact on the U.S. trade deficit with China than the latter's 2022 COVID-19 lockdowns, further evidence of their economic interdependence.
—David Kirton, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024
Alluding to this interlocking interdependence, Joseph and Sydney have the same tattoo of what resembles a Venn diagram.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024
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 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share