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 But Ukraine’s current dependence on this system leaves it very exposed. Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025 With worsening storms and 2024 recorded as the hottest year in history, reducing fossil fuel dependence across industries has been critical in climate change mitigation efforts, scientists say. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 These medications are effective for short-term anxiety relief, but can become addictive and cause dependence when used long-term. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 19 Mar. 2025 No question there is nothing wrong with using Greenland and Ukraine as a possible source of minerals if either could lead to a significant reduction in U.S. dependence on Chinese minerals. Jim Constantopoulos, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
  • Reducing this dependency, especially at outdoor events or in regions with limited access to cooling infrastructure, could cut carbon emissions.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
  • In deep tech, scaling internationally is often a necessity due to fragmented regulatory landscapes and supply chain dependencies.
    Pierrick Bouffaron, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Our economic anchors — health care, professional services and public administration — continue to create jobs and opportunity.
    Shelonda Stokes, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Speaking of which, this additional setup is secured to the front of the chassis and the rear axle by side anchors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2025
  • While a large body of research has found the approach to be effective for a majority of participants, many conservative leaders believe the emphasis on housing has come at the expense of expanding other key services, such as addiction treatment.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For example, the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) allows developers greater flexibility in how games are distributed and monetized by reducing reliance on app stores.
    Berkley Egenes, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • This erosion of ties began with America's shale revolution, which significantly reduced U.S. reliance on Gulf oil and diminished its incentive to guarantee regional stability.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As global media and consumption habits evolve, the NBA wishes to capitalize on opportunities to produce games in new and unique ways, the commissioner said.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The teen’s happy image, usually in a red polo shirt and carrying a backpack, is as popular in souvenir shops across town as Francis in his simple brown habit.
    Time, Time, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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