dependence
noun
de·pen·dence di-ˈpen-dən(t)s 
variants or less commonly dependance
1
: the quality or state of being dependent
especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
3
: one that is relied on
4
a
: drug addiction
developed a dependence on painkillers
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
Sodium-ion technology is seen as a lower-cost alternative that could reduce dependence on lithium, cobalt, and nickel. —
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026 Continue reading … KEY TO LONGEVITY — Diet expert warns people away from supplement dependence. —FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Mitsubishi recently began operating a power plant in Vietnam that only sources coal from nearby countries, helping Hanoi — which gets 80% of its crude oil imports from Kuwait — reduce dependence on the Gulf. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Researchers say ibogaine could eventually fill a gap in addiction treatment, particularly for opioid dependence, but more large-scale clinical trials are needed before it can be considered safe or effective for any condition. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence
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.
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026 Continue reading … KEY TO LONGEVITY — Diet expert warns people away from supplement dependence. —FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Mitsubishi recently began operating a power plant in Vietnam that only sources coal from nearby countries, helping Hanoi — which gets 80% of its crude oil imports from Kuwait — reduce dependence on the Gulf. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Researchers say ibogaine could eventually fill a gap in addiction treatment, particularly for opioid dependence, but more large-scale clinical trials are needed before it can be considered safe or effective for any condition. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependence
Cite this Entry
“Dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/dependence. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dependence
noun
de·pen·dence di-ˈpen-dən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2
a
: drug addiction
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