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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of dependence
The current crisis presents an historic opportunity to consider radical solutions to universities’ heavy dependence on federal funding.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
Another issue is physiological dependence from alcohol and problems stemming from a condition called alcohol use disorder.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
The company identified risks related to its business operations, including the need for additional financing, dependence on third-party networks, and potential regulatory challenges.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Apr. 2025
Tariffs from Trump's first term and former President Joe Biden's technological restrictions on Chinese companies have pushed the tech giant to diversify its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
Another issue is physiological dependence from alcohol and problems stemming from a condition called alcohol use disorder.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
The company identified risks related to its business operations, including the need for additional financing, dependence on third-party networks, and potential regulatory challenges.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Apr. 2025
Tariffs from Trump's first term and former President Joe Biden's technological restrictions on Chinese companies have pushed the tech giant to diversify its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependence
Noun
-
Rapid expansion without profitability is a recipe for dependency on external funding.—
Jonathan Low,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Over time, this dynamic may develop into a toxic cycle of dependency.—
Eddie Brummelman,
Scientific American,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The pod will also tell the story of Edwards, who last year pled guilty to making indecent images of children having for decades been one of the BBC’s lead anchors.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2025
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In January 2016, former Fox Sports anchor and reporter Julie Stewart-Binks alleged in her complaint that Dixon asked her to come to his hotel room after a work meeting and pushed her against the wall, pinned her arms and forcibly kissed her.—
Andrew Marchand,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Measures are in place to help people struggling with addiction, such as fentanyl test strips and the use of Narcan to rescue a person currently overdosing on opioids.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Kennedy described addiction as both a source of misery and a symptom of deeper pain, drawing from his own experience of trying to fill an emotional void with drugs.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But over the years, the LAFD’s reliance on overtime has generated concerns about fatigue, burnout and whether taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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Cybercriminals see our increasing reliance on web applications as an opportunity to steal sensitive data for financial gain and other selfish motives.—
Melkon Hovhannisyan,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This highlights the immense impact of AI on people’s spending habits.—
Roman Eloshvili,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Digestive issues: If protein intake is high and fiber intake is low, changes in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea, may occur.—
Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD,
Verywell Health,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependence. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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