Dependence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈpen-dən(t)s/ de·pen·dence

Meaning & Definition of Dependence

Dependence (noun)

  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

Dependence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: dependency, reliance
    related: reciprocity, relativity, confidence, credence, faith, stock, trust
    opposite: independence, independency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-support
    near: autonomy, self-determination, sovereignty

  2. something or someone to which one looks for support

    "ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state"

    similar: anchor, buttress, mainstay, pillar, reliance, standby
    related: backbone, sinew(s), spine, right hand, bolsterer, crutch, handmaiden, prop, stay, anchorage, harbor, refuge

  3. a physiological need for certain drugs

    "acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery"

    similar: addiction, habit, jones (slang), monkey
    related: alcoholism, heroinism, morphinism, habituation, tolerance

Related Entry: Self-dependence (noun)

Self-dependence is a different word from Dependence. The synonyms below are for self-dependence, not for dependence.

  1. the ability to care for one's self

    "encouraged her children to develop self-dependence at a relatively early age"

    "a level of self-dependence rarely seen in teens"

    similar: independence, self-reliance, self-subsistence, self-sufficiency, self-support
    related: autonomy, freedom, self-determination, potency, power, resilience, strength
    opposite: dependence, reliance
    near: helplessness, impotence, impotency, inadequacy, weakness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dependence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dependence:

Slang: jones
dependency, reliance, anchor, buttress, mainstay, pillar, standby, addiction, habit, monkey

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Dependence

Words with the opposite meaning of Dependence:

independence, independency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-support

Related Words for Dependence

reciprocity, relativity, confidence, credence, faith, stock, trust, backbone, sinew(s), spine, right hand, bolsterer, crutch, handmaiden, prop, stay, anchorage, harbor, refuge, alcoholism, heroinism, morphinism, habituation, tolerance

Near Antonyms of Dependence

autonomy, self-determination, sovereignty

Origin & Etymology of Dependence

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

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dependence

Words & Phrases Containing Dependence

linear dependence, self-dependence, interdependence

Frequently Asked Questions about Dependence

What does "Dependence" mean?

"Dependence" means the quality or state of being dependent; especially, the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being dependent; especially, the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Dependence"?

Other words for "Dependence" include dependency, reliance, anchor, buttress, mainstay, pillar, standby and addiction. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dependence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dependence"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dependence". Common alternatives include dependency, reliance, anchor, buttress, mainstay, pillar, standby, addiction, habit and jones.

What is the opposite of "Dependence"?

Antonyms of "Dependence" include independence, independency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency and self-support. Near antonyms include autonomy, self-determination and sovereignty.

How do you use "Dependence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dependence" in a sentence: "a baby's total dependence upon his or her parents for every one of life's needs"; "ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state"; "acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery".

Is "Dependence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dependence" is a noun.

Is "Dependence" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Dependence" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Dependence"?

"Dependence" is pronounced /di-ˈpen-dən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as de·pen·dence.