dependence

noun

de·​pen·​dence di-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce dependence (audio)
variants or less commonly dependance
Synonyms of dependence
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
2
: reliance, trust
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers
b
: habituation sense 2b

Synonyms of dependence

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Examples of dependence in a Sentence

The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans. Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable. a harmful dependence on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This is one example of Russia’s dependence on military aid from North Korea. — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Customer concentration, supplier dependence, outdated contracts, legal issues, cybersecurity weaknesses, undocumented processes, and key employee reliance can all reduce value or delay a transaction. — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Fuel supply meets reactor demand The deal comes as the US works to rebuild domestic uranium enrichment capacity and reduce dependence on foreign fuel supplies. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 Psychological withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety and irritability, dependence and insomnia. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dependaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French dependence, dependance, from dependant dependent entry 1 + -ence, -ance -ence, -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependence was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing dependence

Rhymes for dependence

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Browse Nearby Words

dependably
dependence
dependency
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Cite this Entry

“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dependence

noun
de·​pend·​ence
di-ˈpen-dən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially : the quality or state of being influenced by or subject to another
2
: reliance sense 2, trust
3
: something on which one relies
4
: a drug addiction

Medical Definition

dependence

noun
de·​pen·​dence di-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce dependence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction
b
: habituation sense 2b

More from Merriam-Webster on dependence

Nglish: Translation of dependence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dependence

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