as in dependence
the quality or state of needing something or someone
she was concerned about his heavy dependency on coffee to get him moving in the morning
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dependency
Another reader suggested that the woman may have her own struggles with alcohol-dependency.
—
Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
By modeling complex biological structures and interactions, the AI helped uncover molecular dependencies that are difficult to detect through conventional laboratory methods.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Overapplication may lead to dependency, hindering the natural moisture balance of your lips.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
But, the newspaper reported, the change caused harmful psychological effects for vulnerable users, including cases of delusional thinking, dependency, and even self-harm.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dependency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependency
Noun
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Bolstering the state’s dependence on fossil fuels forces us to keep funding the destruction of our environment, health, and a civil democratic society.—
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The prescription opioid pill, called naltrexone, was first approved by the FDA to treat opioid dependence in 1984.—
Noun
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The report warned copper’s reliance on a handful of countries makes global supplies and prices vulnerable to disruptions, policy shocks, and trade barriers.—
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The reliance on Erling Haaland has become pronounced, and Semenyo will offer a direct threat from either wing, improving City on the counter-attack.—
Cite this Entry
“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependency. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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